How A-Levels Work in England: Subject Choices, Grading & University Routes

Did you know that more than 300,000 students sit A-levels are two‑year qualifications taken after GCSEs that decide university eligibility in England each summer? If you're wondering how A-levels England fit into your study plan, here's the lowdown.

What sits at the top of the post‑GCSE ladder?

After completing GCSEs (usually at age 16), students move into the A‑level programme that runs for two academic years, split into Year 12 (AS) and Year 13 (A2). The first year is often called the AS level, though it now counts toward the final A‑level grade rather than being a standalone qualification.

The key reason schools offer A‑levels is that universities look for strong grades in three to four subjects. Unlike the broader International Baccalaureate (IB) or vocational BTEC qualifications, A‑levels let you specialise early, which can be a big advantage if you already know the field you want to study.

How the two‑year structure breaks down

Year 12 (AS) and Year 13 (A2) follow a predictable rhythm:

• Autumn term: teachers introduce core concepts, set homework, and run revision workshops.
• Spring term: mock exams sharpen timing skills; students receive feedback to fine‑tune weak spots.
• Summer term: final revision, practice papers, and exam logistics (room allocation, invigilator briefings).

Exams are held in May/June for most subjects, with some (e.g., art, design) offering a second series in October - January for resits.

Choosing subjects - the art of the mix

Most pupils pick three to four A‑level subjects. The choice hinges on three factors:

1. University requirements: medical schools demand Chemistry and Biology; engineering often looks for Mathematics and Physics.
2. Personal interest: enjoying a subject boosts motivation and typically leads to better grades.
3. Assessment style: some students thrive on written essays (history, literature), while others excel in problem‑solving (math, chemistry).

Here’s a quick snapshot of popular combinations:

Notice that each mix balances a “core” requirement with one or two “optional” subjects that showcase breadth.

Grading system - from U to A*

Grades are awarded on a U‑E‑D‑C‑B‑A‑A* scale, where U means “ungraded.” Each subject’s final grade is a weighted average of AS and A2 marks (normally 40% AS, 60% A2). The university points system (UCAS Tariff) translates these grades into points that universities weigh during admissions.

For example, an A* yields 56 UCAS points, an A 48 points, and a B 32 points. A typical Medicine applicant might need at least 240‑260 points, meaning they’d aim for grades like A*A*A* across three science A‑levels.

Examination boards - who sets the papers?

Three main boards dominate the English A‑level market:

• AQA offers a breadth of humanities, sciences and languages
• Edexcel known for its strong emphasis on modular assessment and clear marking schemes
• OCR focuses on vocational links, especially in computing and design

All three follow the same national specifications, so a student’s grade isn’t board‑dependent, but the style of questions can differ. Knowing your board’s typical question format helps you target practice efficiently.

From A‑levels to university - the UCAS pathway

When A‑levels wrap up in June, students submit their university applications through UCAS the centralized system for undergraduate admissions in the UK. The key steps are:

1. Register on the UCAS website and fill in personal details.
2. Enter up to five course choices, each with a personal statement (≈ 4,000 characters).
3. Provide predicted A‑level grades from your school (these can be updated after results).
4. Pay the application fee (£26 for a single choice, £26 + £14 for each additional choice).
5. Track offers via UCAS track; accept one firm and one insurance offer.

Universities often set conditional offers like “AAB” or “AAA” (e.g., “A‑level Physics A*, Mathematics A, Chemistry B”). If you meet those conditions, you receive a firm place.

Alternative routes - BTEC, IB and apprenticeships

Not everyone follows the straight A‑level route. Here are three common alternatives:

Each route feeds into UCAS, but the personal statement must explain why you chose that path and how it aligns with your course.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Even with a solid plan, many students trip up. Here are five traps and quick fixes:

• Choosing too many subjects: Overloading can dilute focus. Stick to three core subjects plus one optional unless you’re certain you can handle a fourth.
• Ignoring board style: Practice papers from your exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) early; they reveal recurring question formats.
• Under‑estimating coursework: Some A‑levels (e.g., Art, Design) require extensive portfolios. Allocate weekly slots for non‑exam work.
• Late UCAS applications: Submitting after the deadline (mid‑January) locks you into the “clearing” pool, which reduces choice.
• Neglecting mental health: The two‑year stretch can be intense. Schedule regular breaks, sports, or hobbies to keep burnout at bay.

Resources you can start using today

To keep momentum, tap into these free tools:

• BBC Bitesize - revision videos for all A‑level subjects.
• Revision World - past papers and answer schemes from each board.
• UCAS - build a mock application and track entry requirements.
• Tutorful - find a tutor familiar with your exam board’s style.

Combine these with your school’s timetable, and you’ll have a clear roadmap from GCSEs to university.

Can I take an A‑level without doing the AS in Year 12?

Yes. Since 2015 most subjects allow you to skip the separate AS exam and start directly with the full A‑level in Year 13. However, many schools still run AS modules because they give early feedback.

How many UCAS points does an A* grade give?

An A* at A‑level translates to 56 UCAS points. The full tariff for three A* grades is 168 points.

Is it better to take four A‑levels instead of three?

Four A‑levels can look impressive, but depth matters more than breadth. Universities typically focus on the three highest grades. Adding a fourth subject may stretch you thin unless it’s directly relevant to your chosen course.

What’s the difference between Edexcel and AQA papers?

Both follow the same specification, but Edexcel often includes more data‑interpretation questions, while AQA tends to have longer essay‑style prompts. Practicing both styles builds flexibility.

Can I still apply to university if I only have BTEC qualifications?

Yes. Many universities accept BTEC Level 3 diplomas, especially for vocational courses. You’ll need to check each course’s entry criteria and may have to submit a stronger personal statement.