Understanding the new AS and A Levels
Highly regarded by employers and global businesses, AS Levels and A Levels are widely accepted qualifications for university admission but over the past few years, they have undergone significant reform. We take a look.
There are currently around 70 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 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 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
A D'Overbroeck's College
S and A Levels are studied in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland operates an independent system of Higher qualifications.
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 a phased
approach from September 2015, the last tranche of subjects being added in 2018. 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 or continue it at A Level. The advantage of taking an AS exam is that pupils can judge how they are progressing and whether they want to study the subject to A Level. Most students study three or four AS Levels. According to the Department for Education (DfE), the
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