What Are A-Levels?

What Are A-Levels?

A-Levels (Advanced Levels) are the main post-16 qualification in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They are studied over two years - typically Years 12 and 13 of secondary school, or equivalent at a sixth-form college - and are the qualification most universities use as the basis for undergraduate admissions.

A-Levels have been part of the English education system since 1951. Despite periodic reforms, they remain the dominant pathway from school to university and are recognised by employers and higher education institutions worldwide.

Most students study three A-Levels, though some take four. Studying fewer than three is possible in certain circumstances but can limit university options. Studying more than four is rare and generally not recommended, as depth matters more than breadth at A-Level.

How A-Levels Work

A-Levels follow a linear assessment model, meaning that almost all of the final grade comes from examinations sat at the end of Year 13. This is a significant change from the modular system that existed before 2015, when students could sit and re-sit individual modules throughout the course.

Under the current linear format, students sit a set of final exams in May and June of Year 13. Some subjects include a coursework or practical element that contributes to the final grade, but the majority of marks come from written exams.

Teaching typically begins in September of Year 12. By June of Year 13, students will have spent approximately two years studying each subject in depth - far more intensively than at GCSE.

AS-Levels: A Brief History

Until 2015, A-Levels were split into two halves: AS-Level (Advanced Subsidiary), studied in Year 12, and A2 (the full A-Level), completed in Year 13. AS grades counted towards the final A-Level grade.

From 2015–2017, A-Levels were reformed. AS-Levels were decoupled from A-Levels - they still exist as a separate, standalone qualification but no longer count towards the full A-Level grade. As a result, most schools have largely dropped AS-Levels, and many students now sit no formal exams until the end of Year 13.

What Subjects Are Available?

More than 50 subjects are available at A-Level across England, covering a broad range of academic disciplines. Common choices include:

• Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Psychology, Environmental Science
• Mathematics: Mathematics, Further Mathematics
• Humanities: History, Geography, Sociology, Economics, Politics
• Languages: English Literature, English Language, French, Spanish, German, Latin, Classical Greek, Modern Foreign Languages
• Arts: Art and Design, Music, Drama and Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Photography
• Vocational and applied: Business Studies, Law, Media Studies, Physical Education, Food Technology

Not all schools offer all subjects. Smaller sixth forms may offer a narrower range, while large sixth-form colleges typically offer 30 or more A-Level subjects. It is worth checking the prospectus of any school you are considering to confirm the subjects your child wants are available.

How Are A-Levels Graded?

A-Levels are graded on a scale from A* to E, with U (unclassified) awarded when performance is below the minimum standard:

• A* - outstanding
• A - excellent
• B - very good
• C - good
• D - satisfactory
• E - borderline pass
• U - unclassified (not a pass)

The A* grade was introduced in 2010 to differentiate the highest-achieving students, particularly for competitive university admissions. It is awarded when a student achieves 90% or above on the A2 components of the exam (the precise mechanism varies slightly by subject and exam board).

UCAS Tariff Points

Universities use UCAS tariff points to compare different qualifications. A-Level grades convert as follows:

• A* = 56 points
• A = 48 points
• B = 40 points
• C = 32 points
• D = 24 points
• E = 16 points

A student achieving AAA at A-Level would accumulate 144 UCAS tariff points. Many universities list entry requirements in UCAS points alongside - or instead of - specific grade requirements, which makes comparison with alternative qualifications like the IB or BTECs easier.

How Many A-Levels Should Students Take?

The standard is three A-Levels. This is what the vast majority of university courses - including highly competitive ones at Russell Group universities - expect. Oxford and Cambridge are explicit that four A-Levels give no advantage over three, and that effort is better spent achieving the highest possible grades in three subjects.

Taking four A-Levels can make sense in specific circumstances - for example, if a student genuinely enjoys all four subjects and has capacity to manage the additional workload without compromising grades. It is not a strategy for boosting a university application.

Some students study an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A-Levels. The EPQ is an independent research project on a topic of the student's choosing and is valued by universities for the independent thinking and writing skills it demonstrates. Several universities, including Durham and Exeter, include the EPQ in conditional offers.

Choosing the Right A-Level Subjects

Subject choice matters more than many students and parents realise. The main considerations are:

• University course requirements: Many degrees have required or strongly preferred A-Levels. Medicine requires Chemistry and usually Biology. Engineering typically requires Mathematics and Physics. Law has no required subjects but benefits from essay-based humanities. Always check the admissions requirements of target universities and courses before finalising choices.
• Facilitating subjects: Some universities - particularly Russell Group institutions - publish lists of "facilitating subjects" they consider to be more academic and versatile. These include Mathematics, Further Mathematics, English Literature, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, and Languages. Taking at least two facilitating subjects keeps the widest range of degree options open.
• Genuine interest: Students who enjoy their subjects are far more likely to put in the work required and achieve strong grades. Choosing a subject because it is perceived as easier often backfires.
• School performance in the subject: Check the school's value-added data and Ofsted report for any subject-level insights. A school that consistently adds significant value in sciences may be a better environment for a budding scientist than one where science results lag.

A-Level Alternatives

A-Levels are not the only post-16 route. For students who prefer a more applied or vocational pathway, there are two significant alternatives:

BTECs

BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council qualifications) are vocational qualifications delivered by Pearson. They are assessed primarily through coursework and assignments rather than exams, which suits students who underperform in high-stakes testing. BTECs are graded Pass, Merit, Distinction, and Distinction*, and are accepted by many universities, though elite institutions may prefer or require A-Levels. Some students combine a BTEC with one or two A-Levels.

T-Levels

T-Levels are a newer technical qualification introduced from 2020, designed as a direct alternative to A-Levels for students pursuing vocational careers. They combine classroom learning with a substantial industry placement (approximately 45 days) and are equivalent in size to three A-Levels. T-Level subjects include Health, Education, Digital, Construction, and Engineering. T-Levels are recognised by an increasing number of universities, though take-up is still growing.

A-Levels and University Admissions

A-Levels remain the main currency of UK university admissions. For most degree courses at most universities, the admissions decision is based almost entirely on predicted and achieved A-Level grades, the personal statement, and - for the most selective institutions - an interview or admissions test.

Typical entry requirements range from three grade Es at less selective universities up to A*A*A or A*AA for the most competitive courses. Oxbridge and medical schools typically ask for three As or above at A-Level, often with specific subject requirements and additional tests.

If you are also considering the IB Diploma as an alternative to A-Levels, read our guide on what the International Baccalaureate is for a full comparison.

To find sixth forms near you that offer your child's preferred A-Level subjects, search sixth forms on School Signal.