What happens if I fail an assessment?
KCLSU Advice is completely separate from King's. We offer free, impartial and confidential advice to all King’s students on issues affecting their studies. This includes students who have failed an assessment or are worried about what might happen if they do.
As assessment season continues, many students may be feeling anxious about results or concerned that an exam or assignment did not go as planned. Here are our top tips on what to do if you find out you have failed an assessment.
Don’t Panic
We know it can feel really stressful and upsetting to receive a failed result. The important thing to remember is that you are unlikely to need to do anything immediately. You usually have time to understand your options and decide on your next steps.
KCLSU Advice is separate from King’s and offers confidential, free and impartial advice on issues affecting your studies. If you are confused about your options or think you may want to appeal, you can contact us through the KCLSU Advice contact form. We can explain the relevant procedures and help you understand your options.
Contact Your Faculty
Reach out to your faculty or department to understand what options are available to you. In many cases, students are eligible for another attempt at the assessment. Some assessments may also qualify for compensation or condonement, meaning you may be able to progress without retaking the assessment. These processes are often faculty and department specific, so it is important to contact them directly in the first instance. You can usually find contact information in your student handbook or on your faculty webpages.
Appeal Options
If you are offered a second attempt, the mark may be capped. If you want to request that the cap be removed, you must submit an appeal within 21 calendar days of the publication of your first attempt results. Do not wait until the capped resit results are published — appeals relating to uncapping must normally be submitted after the first result is released.
KCLSU Advice’s Academic Appeals guidance can help you understand whether you may have grounds to appeal.
Check Your Circumstances
Failing an assessment can sometimes affect funding, progression or visa circumstances. It is important to check whether this could apply to you and seek support if needed. King’s Money & Housing team and Visa team may be able to provide specialist advice depending on your situation.
Get Support
Assessment results can have a big emotional impact, so it is important to look after yourself and seek support if needed. King’s offers a range of wellbeing support services, including Faculty Wellbeing Advisors and King’s Counselling.
Remember, failing an assessment does not automatically mean the end of your degree or your options. Many students experience setbacks during university, and support is available to help you understand what happens next.