A Levels are qualifications that you study for over two academic years. These are usually taken after you have completed your GCSEs, however they can be taken at any time during someone's life.
Your study time is split between lessons and independent study time during the school or sixth form college day. You'll be given extra tasks to do outside of lessons, such as writing essays, doing further research into a subject and answering problem-solving questions.
Studying three or four subjects at A Level is a good way of finding out what you like studying and gaining qualifications that will help you in whatever you want to do afterwards. However, some may find it stressful because most, if not all, of your final grade is decided by the results of exams taken at the end of the second academic year.
What do I need to do A Levels?
The qualifications you need to do A Levels vary by institution and the subjects you want to study, but you'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs with a grade of 4 or 5 and above, including English and Maths.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Studying A Levels is a good way of preparing for studying at university. | A Levels rely mostly, if not completely, on exams completed at the end of your studies. |
| The structure of your day at a school or Sixth Form college is similar to that of school, but you may get slightly more time off than before. | It may be better for you to complete BTECs or vocational qualifications for some industries. |
| You'll be able to decide what subject(s) you want to study. |
How do I start applying?
To start applying, have a look at the sixth form colleges or schools that offer the A levels you want to study. Make sure you meet the entry requirements before applying. Each school or college has their own application process that you must follow, which you can find out more about on their websites.