Retaking A Levels and Mental Health

One of the most fascinating (and horrifying) things about the education system is the experience of students when they’re forced to retake exams, especially if it involves repeating the school year. While it doesn’t happen to everyone, there’s no denying that it’s an incredibly stressful experience for the students unlucky enough to face it.

It is no stretch to say that being forced to repeat a year can put a tremendous strain on a student’s mental health, as they are accustomed to growing with students their age. In addition, many of these schoolmates are people they’ve known for several years, making it even more alarming when the student is forced back a year, watching as the rest of their friends tackle the next step in their education after the A Levels.

An eerie, unforgettable experience

Keep in mind that most students develop their sense of identity in the school over the years, and being forced to retake courses while seeing everyone else move forward can be rattling and anxiety-inducing. It forces repeat students to try to blend in with the new crowd, trying their best not to be noticed by professors and classmates alike. Of course, it’s not something you have to tackle alone, and you can get the help of your school and other services if you’re having trouble trying to retake A Levels. Many people who’ve experienced a repeat year often wonder why they were so scared and freaked out when it’s a relatively common occurrence.

However, for the student currently in the situation, there’s nothing worse. The embarrassment of no longer being paired with your old friends and being recognised for repeating classes and exams cannot be understated. The anxiety and depression can reach overwhelming levels, potentially leading to a downward spiral if you let it.

The importance of taking a step back and accepting the situation

It comes as no surprise that some students consider quitting altogether due to the embarrassment of having to retake a year, especially if they already suffered from some form of bullying and harassment before they had to retake A Levels. One of the most crucial things to remember when repeating a year is to remember that it’s more common than you think.

It’s understandable to think that repeating a year or retaking A Levels can be considered taboo among you and your peers, but everyone goes through life at a different pace. Our experiences determine our capacity to improve and learn, and sometimes that isn’t enough—and that’s okay.

The potential to pass with flying colours

Remember that just because you were forced to retake exams or the year doesn’t mean you lost out on opportunities. In fact, you’ve been given the rare opportunity to make new friends, to understand what you went through, and to potentially do even better than you ever thought possible. It’s all about pushing for a positive outlook and pacing yourself while focusing on your mental health.

The strain on any student’s mental health when retaking A-Level exams cannot be understated, so it’s more important than ever to look inward and figure out how to overcome this new hurdle. There’s no need to blame anyone (especially not yourself), as the only thing you have to do is look forward.