A Levels

A Trusted Route to University and Beyond

A Levels (Advanced Levels) are two-year academic qualifications that let you focus on a small number of subjects in depth, typically three or four. They’re the most traditional route for students aiming to go to university, but they also keep your options open for apprenticeships and employment.

You’ll usually study them in a sixth form or college environment, with the opportunity to explore subjects like English, maths, sciences, psychology, art, history, and many more. If you enjoy classroom learning and want to build strong subject knowledge, A Levels could be the right path for you.

Is This Path for Me?

A Levels are well suited to students who:

Enjoy academic subjects and structured lessons
Are aiming for university or want to keep options broad
Are confident with written assessments and independent study
Tend to perform well in exams

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Top Tip

If you’re thinking about applying to a competitive university course—like law, medicine, or engineering—A Levels are often essential.

My A Levels gave me confidence in my writing and helped me prepare for uni. I liked that I could really focus on subjects I was passionate about.

Karina, Camden Sixth Form Student

What You’ll Learn

The great thing about A Levels is the choice. You’ll pick three subjects (sometimes four) to study in depth. You can specialise in one area, like sciences—or mix subjects across different areas, such as maths, sociology and photography.

Many sixth forms also offer the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), where you research a topic of your choice, building skills that universities and employers love.

View resources Find places that offer A-Levels

How You’ll Be Assessed

Assessment is mainly exam-based, with most papers taken at the end of your two-year course.

You’ll have time to prepare and revise, and your school or college will support you with mock exams and practice papers throughout the course.

Coursework

Subjects like English, history and art often include coursework—independent projects or essays completed over time. This allows you to dive deeper into a topic, develop your research skills, and showcase your understanding in a more reflective way.

Exams

Most A Levels are assessed through written exams at the end of the course. These test your knowledge, analysis, problem-solving and essay writing skills. You’ll have plenty of time to revise, and mock exams throughout the course will help you prepare.

Practical Assessments

In subjects such as science, drama, or photography, you’ll complete practical tasks as part of your final grade. These assessments are designed to show how well you can apply your learning in real-world or creative scenarios.

Entry Requirements

Most schools and colleges will expect you to have:

At least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths
Some subjects (e.g. maths, sciences, languages) require GCSE grades 6 or higher

Top Tip

It’s a good idea to check the entry requirements for each sixth form or subject before applying.

What Makes A Levels Different?

A Levels stand out from other post-16 qualifications for their academic focus and subject flexibility. The info below highlights how they compare to other routes, helping you understand whether this path matches the way you like to learn and your future goals:

Type of learning

Academic, classroom-based

Assessment

Mostly exams, some coursework

Flexibility

High – you can combine a wide range of subjects

Recognised by

All UK universities and many international ones

What Comes Next?

A Levels open the door to a wide range of opportunities. With strong grades, you can:

Apply to university (including competitive and Russell Group universities)
Start a degree-level apprenticeship
Go into employment with a strong academic foundation

Many students progress to careers in law, science, media, business, politics, or teaching. Your choices at A Level can shape your next step, but they also keep your options open.

View resources Find places that offer A-Levels

Support Along the Way

From day one, you’ll have access to academic, wellbeing and careers support. This might include:

A personal tutor or mentor

Your tutor will be your main point of contact throughout the course. They’ll check in on your progress, help you set goals, and be there if you need support, academic or personal.

UCAS and university application help

Applying to university can feel daunting, but you won’t do it alone. Schools and colleges offer structured support to help you choose courses, write personal statements, and complete your UCAS application on time.

Study skills workshops and revision support

Many sixth forms run extra sessions to help you improve how you learn, from managing revision timetables to improving essay writing and exam technique.

Pastoral support and mental health resources

Your wellbeing matters just as much as your grades. Sixth forms provide access to pastoral care teams, counselling services, and safe spaces where you can talk about any worries or challenges you’re facing.

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A Levels

A Levels

The UCL Academy Sixth Form

UCL Academy Sixth Form is a vibrant, inclusive and academically ambitious environment that equips students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in life. Offering a wide range of A Levels across sciences, humanities, arts and social sciences, the sixth form blends academic challenge with strong personal development.

A Levels GCSE National Vocational Qualifications

Regent High School Sixth Form

Regent High School is a vibrant and inclusive community that combines academic excellence with strong personal development. Known for its supportive staff and nurturing environment, the school encourages students to achieve their best through a broad curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities.

A Levels Applied Diploma AS Levels BTECs Cambridge Technicals GCSE

Hampstead School Sixth Form

Hampstead School Sixth Form is an inclusive, welcoming community with a wide range of A Levels, BTECs and vocational courses. Students benefit from expert teaching, strong pastoral care and modern facilities, including a dedicated Sixth Form Centre.

A Levels BTECs Cambridge Technicals Other T Levels

Haverstock School Sixth Form

Haverstock School is a vibrant, inclusive secondary school in Camden with a strong commitment to supporting every student to reach their potential. The Sixth Form is known as one of the most inclusive in London, offering a wide range of pathways including A Levels, BTECs and T Levels. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalised support, and modern facilities.

A Levels Applied Diploma BTECs Cambridge Technicals T Levels

Maria Fidelis Catholic School FCJ Sixth Form

Maria Fidelis Catholic School Sixth Form is a friendly and academically ambitious community, rooted in FCJ values of companionship and personal excellence. Located in central London, it offers strong A Level and vocational pathways, expert teaching, and exceptional pastoral support.

A Levels BTECs Cambridge Technicals Other T Levels

LaSWAP Sixth Form Consortium

LaSWAP comprises four closely-located specialist campuses based in La Sainte Union, William Ellis, Acland Burghley and Parliament Hill schools (the initials of each being used to create LaSWAP’s unique name). This means LaSWAP can provide all of the personal touches of a small sixth form, as well as all the benefits of a large college campus.

A Levels Entry Level Qualification National Vocational Qualifications T Levels Technical Qualifications

Capital City College Group

Capital City College Group is one of the largest educational institutions in London, equipped with specialised facilities to support post-16 progression pathways and adult professional development through A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, vocational qualifications and apprenticeships.

A Levels AS Levels

The Camden School for Girls Sixth Form

At Camden School for Girls, we believe passionately in the transformative power of education. Our students thrive in an environment where academic rigour is matched by creativity, compassion and a deep commitment to equality.

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