What Are the Hardest A-Levels in 2024?
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What are A-Levels? A Guide for UK and European Students
27/01/2025•15 minute read
A-Levels or International A-Levels are a primary and the most important academic school qualification for UK and European students that serve as a critical stepping stone towards admission to the world’s best universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, or Stanford. While everyone has probably heard about A-Levels, not everyone fully understands why they have been established and are so important for success in university admissions. In this blog, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about A-Levels starting from the list of subjects available to their grading system at schools.
What Are A-Levels?
A-Levels (International A-Levels) are worldwide recognised secondary school qualifications that are usually offered in the UK, or international schools across Europe but accepted by top universities around the globe. They are specifically designed for secondary school students aged 16 and above who are planning on entering university in Europe or overseas.
School students have to pick three to four subjects carefully related to their intended university major, which are studied in-depth over two academic years and then sit exams at the end of the year. A-Levels have become one of the most popular choices amongst students for their enriched learning curriculum and global recognition.
A-Levels Subjects
School students are recommended to pick three to four subjects carefully related to their intended university major, which are studied in-depth over two academic years and then sit exams at the end of the year.
Students aiming to study A-Levels can choose from a wide range of subjects. Below are the most popular courses but of course they depend on the intended majors:
- Mathematics
- Further Mathematics
- English Literature
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- History
- Economics
- Business
- Psychology
- Law
- Geography
You can refer to Cambridge International Education’s website for a complete list of subjects.
You can also take your A-Levels online. Crimson Global Academy (CGA) is a global online school with the mission to provide premium education without the constraints of physical schooling.
CGA offers very close support for students in selecting A-Level subjects: this is vital because future courses at university and future careers will often have specific requirements for A-Level subjects. We can provide expert advice in this important area.
Cambridge vs. Edexcel Exam Boards
Cambridge A-Levels offers a diverse range of subjects and flexible combinations. These qualifications cater for the needs of international learners and also provide opportunities for non-native English speakers to demonstrate their English proficiency, which is particularly valued by many UK universities. Cambridge A-Levels are also well known for their science subjects and practical exams where students can take on real-life experimental practices.
Pearson Edexcel A-Levels are also widely recognised in the UK and follow a module-based system. Students have the flexibility to retake modules to improve their grades, and exams are typically held in May and November. Pearson A-Levels are perfect for students who prefer a theoretical approach to learning and exam sitting.
The Structure of A-Levels
The A-Levels are split into two parts:
Year 1 (Year 12): It is known as AS Level, where students study courses that provide them with enough understanding to progress to A-level.
Year 2 (Year 13): The second year is known as A2 Level where students build on the curriculum they studied during AS Level before taking exams.
Commonly, students take around 4-5 different subjects in their first year to then reduce to 3-4 in A2 Level for a deepened focus. If time allows, students often take extra subjects to fill in their timetables.
While this is the typical timeline for studying A-Levels, if students are interested in competing for spots at the top US universities, they might need to consider more than four A-Level subjects to stand out in the competitive applicant pool.
A-Levels Assessments
The Edexcel or Cambridge AS and A-Level subjects are usually assessed externally. These exams are offered at different times throughout the year:
- Cambridge AS exams: June and November
- Edexcel exams: June, October and January
Students typically sit one set of exams at the end of AS, and another at the end of A2.
CGA's Edexcel International A Levels offers three examination dates, which means more opportunities for re-sits. This allows students to improve their grades if needed.
A-Level Grading System
The grading of A-Levels uses a gradual A* to E marking system, with A* being the highest grade and U marking a fail. Students are being assessed through examinations and coursework during their 2 years of A-Levels.
The written examinations, conducted at the end of the 2 years are exams that assess student’s ability to memorise, apply and analyse the knowledge they gathered of a specific subject. It also evaluates student’s critical thinking skills. The examinations can vary from essay style to multiple choice questions or simply practice assessments.
Meanwhile, coursework assessments are practical tasks students can take on to showcase their knowledge through research, essays, and real-world scenarios that are valued for problem-solving and analysis.
Let’s see how the A-Level grades compare to the percentile:
A-Level Grading System
| A Level Grade | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| A* | Outstanding | 90-100% |
| A | Excellent | 80-89% |
| B | Good | 70-79% |
| C | Satisfactory | 60-69% |
| D | Adequate | 50-59% |
| E | Limited | 40-49% |
| U | Ungraded | 0-40% |
When Is A-Level Results Day?
The A-Level results day for 2025 is on Thursday 14th of August. You can collect your A-Level results any time after 8 am on results day - when they're released by the exam boards.
There are a few different outcomes that could happen on the results day:
- Your predicted grades meet your university offers: Congratulations! Once you update your results on UCAS, you will be sent confirmations from universities you got accepted to shortly after!
- You miss predicted grades: It can be disappointing, but don’t worry you also have several outcomes if this happens:
- Unconditional Offer - Your choice of firm offer might still offer you a place.
- Unconditional Changed Course (UCC) - you don't have the necessary grades for your offer, but the university has proposed a similar course requiring lower grades. They may also offer an alternative start date, such as deferred entry. You have five days to decide and can discuss the opportunity with the university in question.
- Insurance Offer - You accept your insurance offer
- Unsuccessful - you've not been accepted by your choice(s). You're now eligible to enter Clearing
- Retaking the A-Levels
- Reapplying the next year
Are A-Levels right for you?
A-Levels are excellent, academically rigorous, and inspiring courses. However, they can also be very demanding and require thorough commitment and diligent work. To be successful in A-Level study, students will need to secure a strong foundation at their GCSE level of study or equivalent.
Crimson Global Academy offers a wide range of A-Level and International GCSE courses which are taught fully online, by experienced and outstanding teachers from around the world. CGA can provide a full programme of A-Levels, to full-time CGA students, or we can offer a part-time programme: individual A-Level courses which students can take alongside their academic programme in their home school.
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