IB Results Didn’t Turn Out as You Hoped? Here’s What to Do Next
The IB results are out — and with them come a whirlwind of emotions. After months (and years) of coursework, revision, and intense preparation, some students are celebrating well-earned 7s and university offers. Others, however, may be feeling disappointed, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next.
At Young Scholarz, we’ve worked with students from their early IGCSE days to the final stretch of the IBDP. We’ve seen success stories soar, and we’ve supported students through the tough moments too. If your results didn’t turn out as expected, we’re here to remind you: this is not the end. It’s simply a redirection.
When Your IB Grades Fall Short
One of the hardest parts of receiving a low grade — especially in the IB — is the element of surprise. Maybe you felt confident in your answers. Maybe you already had your eyes set on a university or career plan. When reality doesn’t match expectation, the disappointment can feel personal and even paralyzing. But here’s the truth:
Failure is not final.
It’s not a reflection of your intelligence or your worth. It’s a moment — a hard one, yes — but one that can teach you, redirect you, and strengthen you.
Here’s an article we recommend if you need help processing academic disappointment:
🔗 Coping with Failure – University of Melbourne
So What Can You Do Now?
Here are four practical options to consider if your IB grades weren’t what you’d hoped:
1. Retake Your IB Exams
If you’ve failed a subject or narrowly missed a required score, you can opt to retake exams in a future session.
Key Dates for May 2025 candidates:
-
Reduced-fee registration: 6 July – 29 July 2025
-
Final registration deadline: 15 October 2025
-
November 2025 exams begin: 21 October 2025 (with most exams starting from 27 October)
You’ll need to contact your IB coordinator to initiate the retake process. Not all schools accept external candidates, so act quickly. Also, consider whether waiting for the next session aligns with your university or career plans — you may need to delay your start by a few months.
2. Request a Remark (Enquiry Upon Results)
If you’re confident you performed better than the score reflects — or feel there may have been a marking error — a remark could be worth exploring.
Remark window: 6 July – 15 September 2025
-
Requests must be submitted via your school’s IB coordinator
-
Results are usually returned within 2–3 weeks
-
Be aware that grades can go up, but they can also go down
If you’re only a point or two away from meeting a university’s conditional offer, a successful remark could make all the difference.
3. Wait for Clearing (Especially in the UK)
If you’ve missed your conditional offer by a small margin, don’t panic. Universities often consider near misses — especially during the Clearing process, which opens shortly after A-level results.
A-level results day: 14 August 2025
-
If there are available spots, some universities may still accept you even if you didn’t meet the exact conditions
-
Clearing offers a second chance — and a wide range of options in popular fields like Psychology, Business, Computer Science, and English
🔗 Here’s a helpful article on how Clearing works:
Education Hub: What Is Clearing and When Does It Open?
4. Take the Unconventional Route
University isn’t the only pathway to success. Depending on your goals and interests, you might explore:
-
Pathway programmes (foundation courses that lead into degree programmes)
-
Apprenticeships (especially in the UK and Europe)
-
Trade schools or specialised training programmes
-
Work experience + upskilling through online courses or internships
This can be a fantastic opportunity to discover what you really want — and gain skills that give you a head start on your peers.
Final Thoughts
We know this moment can feel heavy. But just like the IBDP journey, what matters most is how you respond. Your score doesn’t define your intelligence, your effort, or your future. What does? Your willingness to adapt, to keep trying, and to trust that better things lie ahead.
If you’re unsure about your next steps — whether academic, emotional, or logistical — we’re here to help. From academic counselling to wellness support, the Young Scholarz team is ready to walk with you.
Reach out today — your story isn’t over. In fact, it’s just getting started.
https://whichschooladvisor.com/uk/school-news/ib-results-day-what-to-do-if-you-dont-get-the-points
https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/06/26/what-is-clearing-and-when-does-it-open-in-2023/
/articles/five-subjects-usually-available-clearing/https://coursefindr.co.uk/degrees
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2730903
https://www.studyinternational.com/news/options-after-ib-exam-failure/
https://www.superprof.com/blog/how-to-cope-with-exam-failure/