Didn’t get the grade you hoped for in A Level Philosophy?

The good news: you can resit as a private candidate and aim for a higher grade.

How Do A Level Philosophy Resits Work?

A Level Philosophy (AQA 7172) is a linear qualification. That means to achieve a new grade you re-enter the full qualification and sit both written papers again in the same exam series.

Exams usually run once per year in May/June (the summer series). You’ll need to book your resit at an approved exam centre—schools, colleges, or private exam centres.

Search for approved exam centres with JCQ

What Should I Know About Philosophy Resits?

• You’ll resit both exam papers (Paper 1: Epistemology & Moral Philosophy; Paper 2: Metaphysics of God & Metaphysics of Mind).
• Your new result replaces your previous grade—universities usually consider your best achieved grade.
• There’s no coursework or practical to carry forward in Philosophy.
• You’ll pay exam entry fees and the centre’s admin/invigilation charges.
• Private candidates should book early—centres can fill up before the entry deadline.

How do you book and sit A Level exams as a private candidate?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I resit just one Philosophy paper?

No. Because A Level Philosophy is linear, you re-enter the full qualification and sit both papers in the same series to receive a new overall grade.

How many times can I resit?

There’s no official limit—you can resit in any future series offered by centres for private candidates.

Will universities know I’ve resat—and do they accept resits?

Many universities accept resits and consider your best grade. Always check specific course policies if you have target universities in mind.

How much does it cost to resit?

Fees vary by centre. Expect an exam-board entry fee plus the centre’s administration and invigilation charges. See more about exam fees

Ready to Try Again?