Edgbaston College has a proven track record of helping A-Level retake students gain entry into top UK medical schools. Our comprehensive support system, provided by the College and its specialised career service, Edgbaston Education, ensures that aspiring medics have the guidance they need to achieve the grades and secure a place in medical school.
Led by Cambridge Medicine graduates Dr. Eman Butt and Dr. Smiji Saji, along with Principal Owais Ahmed, our Medicine Admissions Team provides a holistic approach to medical school applications. In 2024, we are proud to have helped 14 of our 17 medical school applicants secure offers to study medicine in the UK.
Yes!
Whilst not every medical school accepts retake students, many do. It's essential to understand each university's specific requirements to maximise your chances. Extenuating circumstances may make you eligible for even more options.
Medical schools evaluate a variety of factors when deciding on interviews and offers, including GCSE grades, A-Level grades, UCAT scores, and personal statements. Each student's application has unique strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, it's crucial to be aware that some universities may not accept retake students for their Medicine programs. Therefore, understanding the minimum requirements of your chosen universities is essential to optimise your chances of securing an interview.
Edgbaston College offers personalised support to navigate the complexities of medical school applications. We help students:
I cannot thank Owais enough, his guidance and support throughout the application process, especially in preparing for interviews, was invaluable. As a retake student, securing my place at Imperial to study Medicine, my top choice, would not have been possible without him!
Jade - MEDICINE AT Imperial College London
Yes.
We also assist retake students in securing offers for Foundation Medicine programs, which guarantee entry into medical school upon successful completion. We've helped students gain admission to such programs at King's College London,Southampton, and Liverpool.
Our comprehensive table (below) lists universities that explicitly accept retake students for their Medicine programs.
*Table updated 04/08/2024
| University | Standard Entry Requirement | Retake Offer | Retake Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anglia Ruskin | AAA | AAA | A Level resit grades at AAA will be accepted within two academic years prior to the time of application (at first sitting applicants should have achieved AAB or BBB for a Widening Access to Medicine (WAMS) application) |
| Aston | A*AA | A*AA | Applicants who have resat, or are resitting GCSEs, A Levels, or equivalent qualifications, with or without repeating an academic year, will be considered. The referee must provide a brief explanation of the reason (s) for the resit in the UCAS reference. |
| Birmingham | A*AA | A*AA | Only considered when applicant has extenuating circumstances. Maximum A-Level study over 3 years. |
| Brighton & Sussex | AAA | AAA |
Only consider applications from applicants who have slipped a grade in one subject and obtained a grade B. Anyone below grades AAB after two years of study, or who is not predicted a grade A in your re-sit, would only be eligible to apply once receiving grades AAA. |
| Bristol | AAA | AAA | The department will consider applicants who resit their qualifications |
| Buckingham | ABB | ABB |
Applicants who attain BBB at their first A Level attempt can apply with a resit. |
| Cambridge | A*A*A | A*A*A | Not unless student has mitigating circumstances |
| Cardiff | AAA | AAA | Not considered unless previous offer holder |
| Edge Hill | AAA | AAA | We accept applications from those who have re-sat GCSEs or A levels (or equivalent) either with or without mitigation. |
| Exeter | A*AA | A*AA | Accepts retake students |
| Hull & York | AAA | AAA | Applications are welcome if you achieved at least BBB at a first sitting and are taking one additional year to achieve AAA or equivalent |
| KCL | A*AA | A*AA | Considered but disadvantaged. Extenuating circumstances may mitigate any disadvantage |
| Keele | A*AA | A*AA | You need to wait until after you resit and attain your grades to apply as a retake student |
| Kent & Medway | AAA | AAA | No, unless student has extenuating circumstances |
| Imperial | AAA - A*AA | AAA - A*AA | No, unless student has extenuating circumstances |
| Lancaster | A*AA | AAA | You must have achieved at least ABB in your A-Levels at the first attempt. BBB-CCC if mitigating circumstances. |
| Leicester | A*AA | A*AA | Only if applicant has mitigating circumstances |
| Lincoln | AAA | AAA | Must achieve at least ABB in first sit with the A in either Biology or Chemistry |
| Liverpool | A*AA+ | AAA | Resits accepted but Must achieve at least ABB in first sit. May be asked for A*'s in subjects resitting. At least one A* is required when resitting. |
| Manchester | A*A*A | A*AA | Must attain at least ABB in first-sit |
| Newcastle | See Policy On Right | AAA | Subjects can be resat once. One grade higher is required in each resat subject. For example, resitting three subjects would require A*A*A*. |
| Norwich | A*AA | AAA | At least ABB/AAC in first sit. A* required in one subject being retaken |
| Nottingham | AAA | AAA | Must achieve at least ABB in first sit with the A in either Biology or Chemistry |
| Oxford | A*AA | A*AA | Only with extenuating circumstances |
| Plymouth | A*AA-AAA | A*AA | At least ABB in first-sit |
| Queens Belfast | A*AA or AAA + A in AS | A*AA or AAA + A in AS |
Normally only those who had applied to study Medicine at Queen’s at the first attempt and held an offer (if made) as their Conditional Firm choice are considered |
| Queen Mary | A*AA | A*AA | Only considered if students have extenuating circumstances fall within the Equality and Diversity Act 2010 |
| Sheffield | AAA | AAA | Accepts A Level resits. Any and all A Level resits must be taken in the same sitting and only one resit per A Level is permitted |
| Southampton | AAA | AAA | Only one resit allowed per subject |
| Sunderland | AAA | AAA | At least AAB in first-sit |
