Restit to get more UCAS points - where? How? When?

[SoTiredNeedHoliday]

DS finished last year, so he is 1 year out of school pretty much. He now wants to do something where he needs more UCAS points.

Can he resit a subject that he has already completed before in a condensed way rather than doing 2 full years again?

There are 2 subjects where he could easily improve - unfortunately, he is a late bloomer and did not see the point in revising!

Does he need actual teaching, or just to work on his own with a weekly / fortnightly tutor to help direct / mark essays?

Is it UCAS points that's needed or grades? If grades he my need to confirm that resit grades would be acceptable.

Does he need certain grades to achieve his aim, ie got a B but needed an A? That's very different from just getting more UCAS points. If it's just a case of points, rather than grades, then there are several ways to achieve that, ie an EPQ (other things do award points but I don't know specifics I'm afraid).

It's just points he needs, no specific grades. He's 8 points off what is required. Though must be from A levels, Btechs, AS subjects.

Ideally, if he could just resit the final exam for one of his subjects he should attain it. He was only 4 marks off a grade boundary

Now that A levels are linear you need to resit all the exams, not just one of them.
Taking a condensed course A level in one year may be possible, but it depends on the subject i.e. whether there are practicals or NEAs that need to be done.

I would suggest an EPQ if he likes essays or a one year AS level.
Other things that have UCAS points attached include music grades above grade 6 and Drama (Lamda grades).

PS the resitting part assumes you are England - there is a different system if you are in Wales.

Instead of doing something he has already done again could he not do BTech in something related to what he wants to go on and do. It would be more interesting, widen his qualifications and get him the UCAS points.

Try calling the universities, they are often more flexible than you think

You probably could if you/he is willing to pay but it depends on subject. If he has a level 3 (A levers etc) he might be eligible for a Advanced Learner loan . Alternative might be a Foundation year.

He can’t do another two years of education as it won’t be funded. He can resit his a levels as a private candidate in England but will have to sit all the papers for each exam. Or he could go through clearing this summer.

He could do the Uni access course - sounds like it would be more useful

I dont know about this as mine went straight from GCSEs to apprenticeships but do you mean he couldn't do another two years or he couldn't do another 2 years without having to pay for it?

Have you looked on ucas to see what grades the university accepted, rather than what they made offers on? Can be quite different. Also worth calling their admissions team and him having the conversation with them …

OP, can you say what course it is then we can give more info?

It sounds like he has a very specific course in mind. In which case, try for it on lower grades through clearing this summer?

thanks all. I should have been clearer, its not a course its and apprenticeship where they have a minimum UCAS points requirement for entry

If he has to pay to resit or to do a different AS or Btech that is ok. Where should I be searching? We are located close to London.

Can you go back to his old school, ask them to enter him (you pay) and he sits the exams there?

Years ago I took a GCSE as an adult and just contacted a local school who offered it, paid and sat in with their candidates.

EPQ would be hard because you need sessions with a supervisor.

I would contact the recruiters. They will be able to advise if there is leeway in the UCAS points or if there is anything in particular he could do to get the points and be advantageous for his chances of being accepted. For example no point getting 8 UCAS points in ballet if he is trying to be a welder.

A RLSS pool lifeguard qualification is worth 8 UCAS points. Any good?

Are you sure the rules accept the UCAS points from any number of courses? You’ve already said it’s restricted to certain courses.

If the aim is to recruit a minimum academic standard, it might be based on the sum of points for your best 3 results.

Further Education colleges offer btec/t level/A level etc. if he is over 19 by September he can access Adult Education courses and Access courses. However you may find employers can be more flexible with slightly older candidates, especially with relevant work experience.

@theresnolimits thank you for this advice. I contacted them and he can resit the exam unit of his BTEC as he hasn't sat it the maximum number of times. He should then achieve another 16+ UCAS points.

Still looking at other options as well

I would have a plan B. What if he doesn’t get the apprenticeship?

@TizerorFizz agree, definitely looking at lots of alternatives. But also just happy he has honed into an area that he seems really engaged with and that I think will suit his personality.