Retake GCSE online: Every Question You’ve Ever Asked, Answered by GCSEs specialists

Can I resit my GCSE online? In short: yes! Let’s have a look at how this is done and sort out any other questions you may have about the process to retake GCSEs.

Navigating all the “Hows”

How to retake GCSEs online?

Taking your GCSE exams online is the same process whether it's your first try or you're retaking it.

With CloudLearn, this process is very simple:

We streamline course enrolment, exam booking and overall subject preparation.

Can I take GCSE exams online?

Yes, you can study on your own or sit your GCSEs privately, but in the end, you need to sit for the exam at an exam centre in your area, the same as you did on your first try.

Can I take a GCSE exam without doing the course? Technically, you can, but if you failed your GCSEs, it’s probably because you lack some understanding of concepts, writing skills or time management. Therefore, taking a preparatory course might be key to improving these aspects.

How to retake GCSE for adults online?

Retaking GCSE exams is the same despite your age. Whether you are a teenager resitting the exams right after your first attempt, or a mature student returning to education after some years, you simply need to enrol in a course, book your exams and prepare for them. You may be able to do this at a traditional school, but some have age restrictions. Additionally, this involves sticking to specific timetables to attend classes, which may be difficult for adults. Another alternative is enrolling in private academies, like CloudLearn, where adults can study at their own pace, from home, and ensure they book exams in centres that accept students of all ages.

How much does a GCSE resit cost?

The cost of GCSEs is usually the same for both first-time and retake students in most academies. That being said, prices can vary from one school to another and you must consider the prices for both courses and exams themselves.

At CloudLearn, the cost for GCSE course preparation is £299. However, the more you study, the less you pay! Enrol in several courses and get discounts for £30 to £180, depending on how many subjects you select. Additionally, you can pay in monthly instalments and with different methods to make the cost more affordable.

Aside from course fees, you must keep in mind exam costs, as these are booked separately and have their own fees. Booking exams with CloudLearn costs between £270 and £410 (the latter being the cost for science exams). Plus, if you book the course+exam bundle, you can access even cheaper prices.

How long does it take to resit GCSEs?

How long it takes to retake your GCSEs depends on a few things, like what subjects you're retaking, how much you need to revise, and whether you're studying at the same place or going private.

For example, some subjects are available for resits in the October/November exam diet, which reduces preparation time to just a few months. However, if you want to study again at an educational institution, it will probably take another two-year period.

To shorten this time, you can prepare for your GSCEs online from home and fast-track your courses. While schools have two-year programmes to prepare you for exams, with Cloudlearn online platform you can shorten this period to around one year.

How many times can you resit a GCSE exam?

There is no limit to the number of GCSE resits, meaning that you can retake these exams as many times as you need until you score the right grades.

However, at CloudLearn, we have a guaranteed pass policy, ensuring that, if you follow our indications correctly, you are 100% sure to pass your exams on the first attempt.

Answering all your “Whats”

What age can you resit GCSEs?

There is no age limit to resitting your GCSEs! Students of all ages are welcome to retake GCSEs to obtain better grades.

What subjects do you have to retake if you fail GCSE?

The GCSE subjects you retake are completely up to you. You may want to retake the same subjects as in your previous attempt(s), or you can pick different subjects.

This decision will depend on which subjects you find easier or more useful based on your career goals. It is true, however, that most universities require students to hold English and Maths GCSEs, so these must be considered among your options.

What happens if you fail your GCSEs?

For many students, failing GCSEs feels like the end of the world, as these are of utmost importance to enter university or apprenticeships later on. But the truth is, there is nothing to worry about, as you can always decide to resit GCSEs for a second chance.

What happens if you don't retake your GCSEs?

GCSEs are part of your academic profile, and they are of great importance when aiming at higher education, so if that is your goal, these are a must.

It is worth noting that most universities require a minimum of 5 GCSEs, including English and Maths, so meeting these basic requirements can be enough to enter superior courses. However, the better results you get (together with A-levels and other extracurricular aspects), the higher the chances of entering the university and the course you wish for in the future.

What happens if you can't sit your GCSE exam?

As mentioned before, GCSEs are part of the entry requirements to university courses and apprenticeships, so these are very important if you aim to access higher education.

If you are not prepared to take your GCSEs now, you can take them later in life to improve your academic standing. Alternatively, you can obtain other qualifications that are equivalent to GCSEs, regardless of whether you plan to attend university.

Your “When” question answered

When can I retake my GCSEs (in 2025)?

GCSEs must be taken on specific dates, determined by the different exam boards. Here are the most important dates you need to keep in mind:

First Summer 2025 GCSE exam	5th May
Last Summer 2025 GCSE exam	20th June
GCSE Results Day 2025	21st August
First November resit 2025	4th November
Last November resit 2025	10th November

Keep in mind that exam dates vary based on the examination board and subject, so be sure to check specific information based on your choices. Additionally, November dates are provisional and might change.

Other FAQs about retaking GCSEs online

Is it worth resitting GCSE?

GCSEs set the path for entering professional life, either through university or directly into employment.

It is important to obtain good grades, as these represent the students’ skills in each subject. For this reason, resitting GCSEs after not getting the desired results is a great option to stay in line with what universities and employers require from students.

Are GCSE resits harder?

GCSE exams are exactly the same for first-time students and resitters, so resits shouldn’t be harder.

Since you already know what to expect and have had time to prepare, retaking the exam should be easier.

Can you resit GCSEs while doing A Levels?

Technically, you can, as most academies do not have specific requirements to take A-levels.

However, it is not recommended to take the same subject at both GCSE and A-level, as the A-level will be more challenging and the GCSE can serve as preparation for it. For example, taking Maths at A-level while still preparing for Maths GCSE is not advisable. But, studying for a Sociology GCSE while taking Maths at A-level is acceptable, as these subjects are not related.

Do universities care if you retake a GCSE?

While some universities may look at how many times you have retaken GCSEs and when most of them only care about your final results.

In the end, your GCSEs are only a part of your academic profile, and examiners also evaluate A-level results and other extracurricular aspects.