Resits and deferrals: what to do if you fail or miss an assessment

Sophie Scagell
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Sophie Scagell
October 13, 2026
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If you didn’t pass an assessment or couldn’t take it, you’ll usually be given another chance. This will either be a referral (resit) or a deferral - and the difference matters. Here’s what it means for you and what to do next.

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What’s the difference between a resit and a deferral?

A deferral means:

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  • your assessment is moved to a later date
  • you’ve applied for mitigation and had this approved due to circumstances that affected your performance at the time.

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A referral (resit) means:

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  • you’ve already taken the assessment but didn’t pass
  • you’re given another attempt but your mark will be capped at the pass mark.

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When will I take my resit or deferral?

Most resits and deferrals happen in August.

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Do I have to pay for resits or deferrals?

There is no charge for referred or deferred assessments.

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What happens if I don’t pass my resit (referred assessment)?

It’s unusual to get another attempt unless this is the result of an appeal. What happens next depends on how many credits you’ve passed overall or whether the module is core or condonable.

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  • If it’s a core module it may affect your ability to progress
  • If it’s not a core module, you may still be able to progress even if you don’t pass it, as long as you have passed enough credits overall.

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It’s best to contact your Hub to understand exactly what this means for your course.

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What should I do next?
  • check whether your assessment is a referral or deferral
  • make sure you know your assessment dates
  • speak to your Hub if you’re unsure about progression

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Our Advice Team can help you understand your situation, talk through your options and support you in deciding what to do next.

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Email advice@exeterguild.com or complete our enquiry form.
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