What are A-Levels?

A-Levels (Advanced Levels) serve as a critical transition between secondary school and University. This two-year programme is a cornerstone of UK education and offers students the opportunity to specialise in subjects that they’re passionate about. 

However, at the Distance Learning Centre, any students aged 16 and over can take our A-Level courses! We offer 12 subjects, ranging from mathematics to English literature. 

We offer a range of payment options and only ask that students aged 16 and under obtain 4 GCSEs at grade C and above on the older grading system or 4 or above on the new grading system before applying! 

Who are A-Levels for? 

Designed for UK students aged 16 or older, A-Levels are essential qualifications for those planning to enrol in higher education, train in a specific field, or prepare for a job.

Typically, A-Levels are offered by Sixth Form Colleges, Further Education Colleges, and online education providers like Distance Learning Centre. 

What grades do I need to take A-Levels? 

You must have completed your GCSE exams or an equivalent qualification to take A-Levels in the UK. The specific requirements for enrolling in A-Level courses may vary between different schools or colleges. 

However, a common benchmark is achieving a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C in the old grading system). For the specific subjects you wish to study at A-Level, learners should aim for at least a grade 6.

Further Education colleges and Sixth Form Colleges which provide A-level courses, may have different entry criteria based on the course type and the institution itself. We advise checking directly with the institution or online provider you want to work with. 

What subjects do A-Level students take?

A-level students have a wide array of subjects to choose from, spanning various disciplines and interests. However, the availability of courses will vary on an institution-to-institution basis. 

Topics include, but are not limited to: 

When choosing A-level subjects, we encourage students to consider their academic interests, personal strengths and even their career aspirations. By selecting subjects that align with your future goals but also those you actually enjoy, you’re more likely to excel!

How are A-Levels assessed?

Different disciplines and exam boards may assess their A-level students differently. Some subjects, like Drama & Theatre, use a combination of practical and written exams. Mathematics, however, is assessed via three 2-hour long papers. 

It’s typical for most UK students in formal education to undertake three to four subjects, and the assessment period is mainly concentrated around May to June. 

All pieces of coursework and exam results are marked separately. Then, the marks students achieve are merged to give a comprehensive grade for the A-Level subject. The A-Level grading system ranges from A* to E, with A* being the highest. 

Grades are critical for university applications, as different universities and courses have specific A-level requirements. These grades also translate into UCAS points, which are used in the university application process to compare students across different qualifications. 

At Distance Learning Centre, all our online A-level courses are marked by your dedicated course tutor. At the start of your course, you’ll be assigned a personal tutor who you should keep in regular contact with. 

Which exam boards do A-Levels use?

In the UK, A-Levels are administered by several exam boards, each with its own set of qualifications and assessments. The primary boards include:

  • AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance)
  • CCEA (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment)
  • OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations)
  • Pearson (operating under its Edexcel brand)
  • WJEC, which operates under both WJEC and Eduqas brands. 

Schools and colleges can freely choose between these boards for each subject they offer.

What can you do after A-Levels?

The real question is: what can’t you do after A-levels? 

UK students can pursue several paths, ranging from higher educational pursuits to entering the workforce. The most common post-A-level path is to continue to university. 

Here, learners can study undergraduate degrees in a subject they’ve already studied at A-level or one that’s equally relevant.

Or, you can get a job in your chosen field! If you’re someone who prefers practical experience, this can be a great, hands-on way to improve your skills. Apprenticeships are another valuable route, blending on-the-job training with earning a salary. 

These programs can vary in level and often provide a combination of practical experience alongside studying towards a qualification (without the burden of student loans!)