Understanding the new AS and A Levels
Highly regarded by employers and global businesses, AS Levels and A Levels are the most widely accepted qualifications for university admission. To maintain their reputation, the government recently streamlined the examination system to guarantee increased rigour. We highlight the changes.
S and A Levels are studied in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland operates an independent system of Higher qualifications. There are currently around 80 AS and A Level subjects for students to choose from. Students can select from a wide range of academic subjects, as well as some ‘applied’ (work-related) subjects. Generally, students progress to AS and A Levels in the academic year following their GCSE results, but these qualifications can be taken at any age. AS Levels generally take one year to complete, and
A
A Levels are studied across two years. Both qualifications focus on traditional study skills and are generally studied full time at school or a higher-education college, but they are also available part time. To study AS and/or A Levels, pupils usually need to
have studied their chosen subjects at GCSE or IGCSE. Schools normally expect pupils to have achieved five
Culford School
GCSEs at grades A*–C, with at least a B grade in their chosen subjects.
AS and A Levels are graded A*–E. The A* was introduced in 2008 to differentiate the highest-performing students from other A-grade candidates. Exams are taken in May/June, and the results are published in August.
CHANGES TO AS LEVELS
New AS and A Levels were introduced in September 2015. The two qualifications have been decoupled in England, so that AS Level results no longer count towards an A Level and the AS Level is a standalone qualification. In contrast, AS Levels remain part of the A Level in
Wales and Northern Ireland, and contribute 40 per cent towards the final A Level result.
Students take their AS Level qualifications at the end of Year 12. They can then either discontinue the subject
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