"In such a competitive environment, firms are looking for strong academic results. If you have failed an exam and had to resit, they may question why. Firms will ask if you have any extenuating circumstances that could explain why you had to resit because of circumstances beyond your control.
Everyone’s extenuating circumstances will be different, but some reasons include long or short-term illnesses, bereavement, or being a victim of a serious crime. The connecting factor is that all have an adverse impact on the student’s academic performance.
It is unlikely a firm will see social mobility issues as extenuating circumstances because it is unlikely to have severely impacted the student’s academic performance in the same way as above. However, firms will take into account contextual issues, such as your social, ethnic, and religious background.
They should use a contextual recruitment system to ensure you are assessed against your non-traditional background when making a decision.
Ultimately, if you had to retake an exam then just be honest as to the reason why – maybe you didn't study hard enough and failing made you realise how much you wanted to succeed and so you studied harder and re-sat (and hopefully obtained a higher mark!)."
Callum Reed – Current JLD Student Representative