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Not all secondary schools have the provision for further study post-GCSEs, while some students feel they'd like to experience college life while completing their A-levels

What are A-levels?

A-levels (Advanced levels) are academic qualifications that can be studied across the UK (apart from Scotland) at an FE college or a school sixth form.

They are typically taken by students aged 16 to 18 after completing their GCSEs.

They are equivalent to studying other Level 3 qualifications such as T Levels and BTEC diplomas.

The A-level course is split into:

• AS-level (Advanced Subsidiary level) - also available as a standalone qualification, the first part of the A-level is typically completed in Year 12.
• A2 - in Year 13, you'll tackle the second component, which requires a deeper understanding of the subject.

Who are A-levels for?

Available to students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, these traditional subject-based qualifications are perfect for those aged 16 to 19 who want to pursue an academic subject at university.

How long do A-levels take to complete?

A-level qualifications are usually studied full time and completed within two years as part of a standard college programme. However, some online learning providers, such as the , offer a fast-track option so you can finish your A-level course within a year.

You may also be able to study your A-levels part time by taking evening classes. These can still be achieved within one to two years if you choose the fast-track method.

How many A-levels can I take?

Studying three subjects at once is the most common option.

Despite this, some students pick four or even five A-level subjects to get into the most competitive universities and secure places on popular courses.

What are the most popular A-level subjects?

According to the , the top ten A-level subjects studied in summer 2024 Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ were:

• mathematics
• psychology
• biology
• chemistry
• history
• business studies
• sociology
• art and design
• physics
• economics.

How do I decide which A-levels to take?

Similar to the advice when choosing the right degree, the decision will involve careful consideration of the subjects you enjoy and are good at, while balancing this with your:

• career goals
• hobbies and interests
• personal strengths and skills.

It's important to check the entry requirements for jobs you'd like to do and job sectors you could see yourself working in to see if any particular A-level subjects would prepare you well. Browse our job profiles for ideas and take the Job Match quiz. Read more tips on how to choose a career.

At this stage, you can still keep your options open, so there's no need to worry if you don't have things neatly mapped out. Speak to friends, family, teachers and career professionals as you explore your options.

Can I change my A-level subjects?

Yes, it's likely that you'll be able to switch subjects, but this will depend on how much progress you've made with your course.

For instance, if you're still in the first few weeks of Year 12, most schools or colleges will allow for this change. However, it will depend on the guidelines set out by the individual institution.

If you are thinking about making a change, it's advisable to approach your tutor as soon as possible.

How are A-levels graded and assessed?

A-level assessment usually takes the form of coursework and a series of exams.

After marking, each of your subjects will be assigned one of the following grades:

• A*
• A
• B
• C
• D
• E.

How do I apply to do my A-levels?

To apply to study these qualifications at an FE college, you'll:

• complete an application form, including a personal statement
• likely attend an interview
• take some short online skills tests or quizzes
• receive a conditional offer depending on your GCSE results.

Get the lowdown on how to apply for college in the UK.

What are the entry requirements for A-level study?

While each school or college sets out its own entry requirements, you'll usually need:

• a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9/A* to 4/C (or equivalent)
• at least grade 6/B in your chosen subject(s).

For example, at (Stockport), the minimum they expect is six GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language and maths. Some subjects have additional entry requirements. To study maths (and further maths), you'll need grade 7/A in GCSE maths.

How much work is involved with A-level study?

According to the Cambridge International Group, A-levels require:

• AS level - 180 guided learning hours, the time spent with a tutor in class lectures, tutorials and supervised study sessions. This works out as about five hours per week across the year.
• A-level - 360 guided learning hours, not including private study. You'll receive five hours per week of teaching over a two-year course.

To manage the workload and maximise the use of your free time at college, it's advisable to:

• Create a study timetable - include all your classes, but also make time for study sessions and extra-curricular activities.
• Prioritise your work - make a list of everything you need to do and order them according to the most important. Tackle those tasks first.
• Make the most of your free time - if you have free periods at college, use them for independent study or leisure activities to maintain balance.
• Get help - be sure to ask for support from classmates, tutors and teachers when required.

What are the key dates for A-level study?

The main dates you'll need to bear in mind for 2025/26 are as follows:

• 14 August 2025 - A-level results day for current Year 13 students.
• 21 August 2025 - GCSE results day for those in Year 11.
• Late August 2025 - enrolment for new students.
• September 2025 - start of the term for new and returning students.
• Late October 2025 - autumn half term.
• December 2025 - Christmas break.
• Mid-February 2026 - spring half term.
• April 2026 - spring break.
• May to June 2026 - A-level exams, depending on the school/exam board.
• Mid-July 2026 - end of the academic year and start of the summer holidays.

Do you need A-levels to get into university?

See how many UCAS Tariff points are needed from your A-levels to make it onto a degree course at how to apply for university.

A-levels also allow you to keep your options open if you're not sure what to do next, and they're valued by employers should you then wish to enter the world of work or undertake further training.

Finally, while A-levels are often academically-focused and not generally considered as practical as other college courses, such as NVQs and BTEC diplomas, they still provide a stepping stone to vocational or work-based qualifications like apprenticeships.

Are A-levels for adults/mature students?

While A-levels are typically studied by those aged 16 to 18, there's no upper age limit for choosing to study the qualification as an adult.

The main difference is the cost involved. As a mature student, you'll be expected to pay your exam entry fees, which usually range from £80 to £150 for each subject. You'll also need to account for study materials such as course textbooks and revision guides.

Financial support may be available, depending on your circumstances, so be sure to visit .

Get more information on adult education.

Can I retake my A-levels?

Yes, if you're applying to university and didn't get the A-level grades you were hoping for and have already explored alternative options such as Clearing, you may wish to consider resitting your A-levels.

If your dream career involves achieving A-levels (or equivalent), getting the job you feel you deserve shouldn't be dashed due to poor exam performance the first time around, whether you had extenuating circumstances or not.

However, this is a big decision and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. For a start, you'll have to study the same subjects again and sit the exams at the end of the academic year.

When looking to retake your A-levels, it's important to bear in mind that this doesn't have to be at the same sixth form or college you studied at previously, while online options are also available.

It's advisable to discuss this with family, friends, teachers, and career professionals to discover whether resitting your A-levels is the best course of action for your circumstances and future ambitions.

How much does it cost to resit your A-levels?

The cost of retaking your A-levels will depend on the course provider and the exam board fees, but you can generally expect to pay between £75 and £250 for each subject resit, although this can be higher. You may also need to factor in admin fees, which could range from £20 to £100.

Should I study my A-levels at a sixth form college or school?

What are sixth form colleges?

The Association of Colleges (AoC) states that there are 38 sixth form colleges in England offering an extensive range of:

• academic
• professional
• technical courses.

In addition to A-level study, they may also offer:

• apprenticeships
• BTEC diplomas
• T Levels.

According to the AoC report, 129,000 16 to 18-year-olds are studying A-levels at college.

What are the pros and cons of studying at school or college?

• As many secondary schools offer A-levels, students who feel settled can continue their education at the same school without any upheaval. On the other hand, the negatives of going to the same high school include being too familiar with the teachers, who may not initially treat you much differently from when you were in year 11.
• High schools can be more formal than their counterparts, as you'll have to share the site with younger pupils in years 7-11. At college, you can make new friends your own age from different schools.
• Whether you're looking for a fresh start or you find that there are better facilities at a sixth form college, going down the FE pathway means you'll be able to choose from a wider range of qualifications than at a school sixth form, which usually just have a focus on A-levels and BTECs.
• As you'll be learning in an adult environment at college, you'll be responsible for your own learning and will need to show self-discipline to keep on top of your workload. This is heightened by the fact that your timetable may be less cluttered at college, with plenty of free periods.
• It's also worth noting that you may be able to take more online classes, as FE colleges offer distance learning classes to adults of all ages.
• While students under the age of 19 won't need to pay for sixth form college, there may still be costs involved for study materials, especially on practical courses, in addition to the travel expense of getting to and from campus.

How do I make the right choice?

As long as there's a sixth form college in your local area, you'll get to decide between school or college and what you go for will depend on your personal preference and the subject(s) you're planning on studying.

To decide:

• Make a list of the pros and cons of each and consider factors such as the range of facilities, extra-curricular activities on offer, class sizes, and quality of teaching, plus the availability of careers services for exploring what you want to do afterwards.
• Take into account your long-term goals. Which option provides the best opportunity to grow and develop? Think about the courses available and your preferred learning style.
• Speak to current students and alumni. Connect with the college's students on social media to learn about their experiences studying there. Contact students at both types of institutions to get their perspectives.
• Attend an FE college open day so you can speak to tutors and view the campus for yourself before committing. You'll then get a better feel for whether it's the right environment for you.

Find out more

• Consider whether to go to university or do an apprenticeship.
• Learn about university open days.
• Explore getting Year 12 work experience.