What you will learn on this page:
What are A Levels?
A Levels are Level 3 qualifications that you can choose to take after your GCSEs. Lots of young people choose them, and they are excellent general qualifications that are valued by employers and universities.
- 2 yearsof study for a full A Level
- 3 subjectsis what most students take
- A* to Eare the pass grades
- Final examsusually at the end of the two years
You can take A Levels in schools, sixth form centres or at some Further Education Colleges. They give you a chance to find out about your GCSE subjects in greater depth, or you can choose a subject that many schools and colleges only offer at A Level, such as Law, Economics or Psychology.
They are good preparation if you are thinking of going on to higher education, or if you are not sure of your career plans, as they can keep your options open.
What GCSEs will I need?
To study A Levels you will need to have done well in your GCSEs. Most schools and colleges will expect grades 9–4, with a minimum of grade 4 in English Language and Maths. Often you will need a grade 5 or 6 or above in a subject if you want to study it at A Level. Requirements vary, so check with the school or college.
Good to know
- You can do an A Level alongside a vocational qualification like a BTEC or Cambridge Technical in some schools and colleges.
- A Level grades earn UCAS points towards entry to higher education. Some employers also ask for UCAS points for jobs or apprenticeships.
- Even if you decide to do A Levels at 16, you could still do an Advanced, Higher or Degree Apprenticeship later.
- After A Levels, many students continue through an apprenticeship, a vocational qualification or a higher education course at a university or college.
Tips for choosing your A Levels
If you are thinking about taking A Levels you need to choose subjects:
- you will enjoy
- you believe you will do well in
- that will help you get to where you want to go in the future
Things to think about
- A Levels are a big step up from GCSEs – they are harder! So choose your subjects wisely.
- If you have a specific career in mind, check to see if you will need specific A Level subjects. Look at the job profiles in Explore Jobs to find out more.
- If you have a specific degree course in mind, check the entry requirements. Some university courses are very specific about the A Level subjects required – others are very flexible.
- If you have no idea yet about a career or degree (many students are in this position and this is OK!), choose a combination of subjects that will keep your options open.
- It is hard to pick up 3 or 4 new subjects that you have never studied before.
- Take advice from family, friends and teachers – but remember, the final choice is yours, as you are the one that will have to put the hard work in!
A few dos and don’ts
Do
- Research each A Level thoroughly – talk to your teachers and to students who are already taking that subject.
- Find out how the course will be assessed and whether this will suit you and your strengths.
- Ask for some honest feedback from your teachers as to how they think you would do at A Level.
- Be careful with your combination of choices – some universities might not like subjects that they feel are too similar, such as Business and Economics.
Don’t
- Assume you will like the subject at A Level just because you liked it at GCSE – it could be really different!
- Take all new subjects – it could be too much to cope with.
- Take English and Maths just because you think this is what employers want – most employers are happy with them at GCSE level.
- Take subjects because you need them for your chosen career if you don’t really like the subject or it is not one of your stronger subjects.