If you’re nearing the end of your GCSE studies – congratulations! You’ve almost made it to your final two years of secondary education.

Now the big question. Should you study AS Levels or A Levels? And for that matter, what’s the difference?

We’ve already written a comprehensive guide to AS Levels (and how they differ from GCSEs), but today it’s time for A Levels. These qualifications are a crucial phase that opens doors to higher education and future career paths. 

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what A Levels are as well as shed light on their significance, how they compare with GCSEs and the best subjects to study.

So if you’re thinking about A Levels, here’s everything you need to know.

What are A Levels?

A Levels, or Advanced Levels, form the pinnacle of secondary education in the UK. Unlike the broad spectrum of subjects covered at GCSE, A Levels offer students the opportunity to specialise in a select few subjects, delving deeper into the nuances of their chosen disciplines. They’re a crucial bridge between the structure of secondary education and self-led research of university.

Traditionally taken during the final two years of secondary education (Years 12 and 13), A Levels are the most common route to university education. These qualifications are recognised globally for their academic rigour, encouragement of critical thought and communication skills. 

A Levels provide a pathway for students to immerse themselves in subjects aligned with their passions and future ambitions. They’re a fantastic opportunity to test-out ideas and subject combinations, so you can move on to degree study with confidence.

Most people take three or four A Levels (we’ll cover the pros and cons of four A Levels later in this article) over two years. Final exams come at the end of these two years.

What do A Levels mean?

A Levels are a significant leap in both academic depth and breadth, compared to GCSE study. They are not only a measure of a student’s academic ability but also serve as a crucial component of university admissions. 

The grades you achieve at A Level will play a pivotal role in shaping your educational trajectory and career choices. Students with high A Level grades demonstrate not only subject mastery but the resilience and dedication required for success – whether in academia or professional settings.

In terms of UCAS points, each A Level is worth a set amount of points. The exact number differs depending on what grade you get. Universities use this UCAS score to compare candidates and give offers for their courses.

There’s a handy tariff calculator to help you figure out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth. But here’s A Levels at a glance:

• A* Grade A Level: 56 UCAS Points
• A Grade A Level: 48 UCAS Points
• B Grade A Level: 40 UCAS Points
• C Grade A Level: 32 UCAS Points

If your thoughts are turning to end-of-year exams, check out our guide to acing your A Level exams as well as advice on supercharging your revision schedule.

What’s the difference between GCSEs and A Levels?

While both GCSEs and A Levels are integral parts of the UK education system, they serve distinct purposes. 

GCSEs offer a broad foundation across multiple subjects (students normally take between seven and ten GCSEs), ensuring a well-rounded education. In contrast, A Levels encourage in-depth study of a few chosen subjects, fostering greater expertise and specialisation.

As such, A Levels act as a precursor to university education, preparing students for the focused academic journey ahead. The transition from GCSEs to A Levels signifies a shift from a more generalised, teacher-led approach towards in-depth independent study and research.

At a practical level, A Levels incorporate far more content than individual GCSEs. You’ll sit multiple exams for each subject (sometimes three or four papers) and the exams are often longer. While two hours is standard at GCSE, A Level exams commonly last three hours or more.

Are A Levels in Year 12 or 13?

A Levels are typically a two-year program, with students commencing their courses in Year 12 and culminating in final examinations at the end of Year 13. The first year allows for an exploration of the chosen subjects, while the second year is dedicated to intensive exam preparation and honing subject-specific skills.

This two-year structure provides students with a comprehensive understanding of their subjects and ensures they’re well-equipped for the demands of the final examinations.

If you’re taking AS Levels and then going on to study A Levels, you’ll sit AS Level exams at the end of Year 12. AS Level qualifications don’t contribute towards your A Level grades however – these entirely depend on the Year 13 exams.

Can you get an A* in A Levels?

Yes, you can still get an A* at A Level. But it’s no mean feat!

Many examination boards still offer A* grades for outstanding performance in A Level exams. To do this, they use predictions to set a grade boundary each year (normally somewhere around 80-90%). Then, any students achieving grades above this boundary get an A*!

Achieving an A* signifies an impressive level of dedication, academic excellence and a deep understanding of the subject matter. It sets students apart in competitive university admissions as well as professional job applications.

If you’re aiming for the very best grades, check out our guide on how to get all A*s at A Level.

Can you go to university without A Levels?

While A Levels are a common pathway to university, alternative routes do exist. Access courses, vocational qualifications (such as BTECs), and apprenticeships are all viable options, depending on your university and chosen course.

If you’re unsure about university admissions, it’s best to get in touch directly. Each course page will outline the grades and qualifications required, but their admissions department will provide any clarification you need.

Universities often accept alternative qualifications, recognising the diverse range of academic journeys students take. This flexibility ensures that students have multiple avenues to access higher education, catering to a variety of learning styles and career aspirations.

Which A Levels give more options?

In short, the best A Level subjects are the ones you’re interested in.

That being said, certain A levels are considered more versatile and can open doors to a broader range of university courses and career paths. For instance, subjects such as Maths, English, and Sciences are often viewed as facilitating a wider array of options.

Known as facilitating subjects, these A Levels are great if you’re unsure about the academic path you want to follow. As well as Maths, English and Sciences, they include humanities subjects like History, Geography and other Modern Languages.

If you’re still choosing your A Level subject combinations, check out Informed Choices. It’s a website created by Russell Group universities, dedicated to helping students make the best possible choices for their academic future.

Is four A Levels too much?

The decision to take four A Levels should be based on your academic strengths, interests and your confidence in your ability to manage the demands of multiple subjects effectively. While some students thrive with the challenge, others may find it overwhelming.

Remember, quality is far more important than quantity. It’s far, far better to have AAA at A Level than four Bs!

Undertaking four A Levels requires careful consideration of workload, time management and the level of dedication needed for success. To help your decision, ask parents and teachers whether they’d recommend four A Levels. We’ve also written an article all about the benefits of taking four A Levels, so have a read before making your choice.

Do you need help with A Level exams?

If you’re embarking on your A Level studies, our tailored study skills strategies, exam preparation and academic life coaching will help you successfully navigate these important secondary qualifications. 

With 1-1 guidance, enjoy fully personalised and supportive tuition, helping you achieve your goals. Get in touch for a free consultation and unlock your full academic potential today.