Retakes at Abbey College Manchester
A Level results not as expected?
Reassessing your options at the end of Year 12?
Abbey College Manchester has the solution to help you get back on track and achieve your dreams.
We know how overwhelming this time can be, and we are here to help you navigate your next steps with confidence and clarity.
Contact us now to discover how we can help you get your studies back on track and help you achieve the A Level results you are capable of.
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A Level Retakes
So, your A-Level results are in – but they weren’t quite what you’d hoped for. It’s natural to feel disappointed, but don’t panic. You still have options, and one of the most effective is retaking your A-Levels.
Whether you narrowly missed your university offer or you’re aiming higher next time around, retaking your A-Levels could be your route to a brighter future.
At Abbey College Manchester, we specialise in helping students improve their A-Level grades and rebuild their confidence. With the right support, better results are well within your reach.
End of Year 12 Options
We are also happy to discuss the options for students who are reassessing their studies at the end of Year 12. Moving to Abbey College Cambridge can allow a chance to reset and refocus.
We recognise that success is about having the right environment, the right structure, and the right support.
Our retake programmes are designed specifically for students who know they can achieve more and just need the right support and guidance to get there.
How much will retaking cost? (UK Course Fees)
UK Students course fees are
| A-LEVEL ONE YEAR RETAKE (SEPTEMBER 2026 START) | |||
| Termly Fee | VAT | Total Termly Payment | |
| One Subject | £2,808 | £562 | £3,370 |
| Two or Three Subjects | £5,408 | £1,082 | £6,490 |
There are three terms in an academic year. Parents in the UK have the option to pay 10 monthly installments starting in August 2026
Fees do not include Exam entry costs.
A-Level retake students improve by one and a half grades (before and after)
| Biology | Chemistry | Physics | Maths | Psychology | Economics | New subject |
| C → A | C → A | |||||
| D → B | D → B | C → A | ||||
| D → B | A Business | |||||
| E → C | B in RS | |||||
| B → A* | ||||||
| C → A | ||||||
| C → B | D → B | D → B | ||||
| D → B | C → B | C → A | ||||
| C → B | C → B | B → A* | ||||
| E → C | C → B | |||||
| C → B | D → C | C → A | ||||
| E → C | D → B | |||||
| C → B | B → A | |||||
| D → C | D → C | C → B | ||||
| C → C | D → C | B → A* | ||||
| C → C | C → B | D → B | ||||
| B → A | C → B | B → B | ||||
| D → C | E → D | |||||
| C → B |
Can I pick up a new subject on the one-year course?
Yes, you can dependent on the rest of your programme. Normally doing one subject from scratch works best. This is something that we would discuss further with you on an individual basis.
How do re-take courses run?
This depends on the subject – but generally, students join the Year 13 classes and have coverage of Year 12 lessons as required.
For GCSE classes the whole syllabus is taught in one year, so we would recover everything from your two year course.
Both GCSE and A level retake courses run from September to the following summer. Students need to attend lessons for the full academic year,
Which subjects can I retake?
A-Level Subjects are:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths
Business and Economics
Art and Photography
Religious Studies
Psychology
Please note that not all subject combinations are possible due to timetabling restrictions.
GCSE subjects are:
Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, English, Maths, Further Maths, Photography, Religious Studies & Physics
What if I did a different exam board?
This is not a major issue and can be discussed at the interview.
Will you write my UCAS reference even though I won’t have been at the college very long?
Yes, we will get to know you very quickly and we build on your previous reference. It is always helpful if you can get your previous school or college to release your reference to us.
I’m not sure if A-levels are the right qualification, do you offer other qualifications to help me get to a good university?
Yes, we offer a programme called Preparation Pathway for University and it is a good alternative to A-Levels and recognised by some very good universities.
Can I transfer to Abbey College Manchester at the end of Year 12?
We would be very happy to talk to you about what courses would be suitable for you to study at the college and accept students at a number of different entry levels. Different exam boards and our option blocks may mean that it is not possible for you to continue seamlessly, but we can discuss your options here.
Is it possible to retake my GCSEs in one year?
Yes, Abbey College Manchester offers a One Year GCSE course, which is an ideal way for students to improve their grades. Students are able to take up to six subjects. Please click here for subject options.
WHY JOIN ABBEY COLLEGE MANCHESTER?
Why Join Abbey College Manchester?
- A small, friendly, welcoming community. Small class sizes and small tutorial groups enable highly individualised learning. More than a third of our students are local, and there is full integration with our international students who are represented in 40 different nationalities.
- Experienced in helping students improve their A-level grades Founded 30 years ago as a retake college, we have a proven track record in helping students regain confidence and achieve the grades they require for their chosen university. On average students improve by a grade and a half.
- A pathway to world-class universities. 45% Russell Group destinations for A level and the Foundation Programme students, including Universities of Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham and many more.
- Specialist UCAS support given and success in gaining entry to top class universities – 87% students progress to their first choice destination for highly competitive degrees including Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Pharmacy, Engineering, Law, Economics & Art.
- Offers credible one-year alternatives to A-level study such as Foundation Programme and Combined Studies. Our flexible based courses are good alternative to A-levels and are accepted by a number of Universities across the country
“Abbey College is highly successful in achieving its aims to guide students to achieve academic success, to fulfil their aspirations and to learn to respect and value one another”
“The students’ personal development is excellent. They are confident, articulate and sensitive to the needs of others”
– Independent Schools Inspection Report 2018
Student Testimonials
It’s been a wonderful experience studying my A-levels at Abbey College Manchester. The small class sizes meant that my teachers were able to individually tailor their lessons towards us and ensure that we received all the support required.”
Although I will miss Abbey College Manchester, I am excited to start a new chapter at university. I’m very grateful for the support from the staff, they have helped me greatly to reach my full potential.”
“It’s been a wonderful experience studying my A-levels at Abbey College Manchester. The small class sizes meant that my teachers were able to individually tailor their lessons towards us and ensure that we received all the support required.
Outside of lessons, the staff s were still very supportive. Applying for medicine as I did, or any competitive courses or university is a rigorous process. Yet, by practicing for Multiple Mini Interviews and taking part in the medical ethics club at Abbey College, I was given an invaluable tool when preparing for various medical school interviews. I will always be grateful for this preparation now I leave Abbey College and go on to study at university to become a doctor.”
