A-Levels explained for international families
How A-Levels and International A-Levels work, how many subjects students take, grading, and how they lead to university in the UK and worldwide.
A-Levels are the qualification most British schools offer at 16–18, and the main route into UK universities. They are also recognised by universities worldwide. Their defining feature is depth: students study three or four subjects in detail instead of a broad programme.
How A-Levels are structured
- Duration: two years, Year 12 (Lower Sixth) and Year 13 (Upper Sixth).
- Subjects: usually three, sometimes four. There are no compulsory subjects.
- Grades: A*, A, B, C, D, E (pass), and U (unclassified).
- Assessment: mostly written exams at the end of the course, plus practical or coursework components in subjects such as the sciences, art, computer science and English literature.
UK A-Levels vs International A-Levels
Schools in England use the “linear” A-Level, with all exams at the end of Year 13. The AS is a separate qualification there. Overseas schools usually take Cambridge International AS & A Level or Pearson Edexcel International A Level (IAL):
| UK A-Level | Cambridge International | Pearson Edexcel IAL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | Linear (exams at end) | AS can count towards the A-Level, or linear | Modular units, sat over two years |
| Resits | Whole qualification | Per component/series | Per unit |
| Exam series | Summer | June and November (March in some regions) | January, June, October |
The modular international options let students spread exams across two years and resit individual units, which many families find less high-stakes.
Choosing subjects
Subject choice matters more than the exam board. Practical advice:
- Start from the destination. Check requirements for likely degree courses. Medicine usually requires chemistry and often biology. Engineering requires maths and usually physics. Economics at top universities often prefers maths.
- Facilitating subjects. Maths, further maths, sciences, English literature, history, geography and languages keep the most doors open.
- Play to strengths. An A* in a subject the student enjoys usually beats a B in one chosen for strategy.
- Check the timetable. Smaller international schools may not offer every combination.
A-Levels and university admissions
UK universities make conditional offers based on predicted grades, for example “AAB”. The final offer is confirmed when results arrive in August. Many also look at an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), personal statements and admissions tests.
Elsewhere, A-Levels are widely recognised: in Europe (often with national rules on subject combinations, such as Spain’s homologation), in the US and Canada (sometimes with credit for high grades), and in Australia and Asia.
A-Levels vs the IB Diploma
The IB Diploma requires six subjects, a core (Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS), and breadth across languages, sciences and maths. A-Levels let students specialise early. Neither is “better”. The right choice depends on the student. See British vs IB vs American curriculum.
Frequently asked questions
How many A-Levels does a student need?
Three is the standard for UK university entry. Some students take four, often including Further Maths, but most offers are made on three subjects.
Are A-Levels accepted by US universities?
Yes. US universities accept A-Levels, and strong results can earn credit or advanced standing at many institutions. Students usually also need the US application components, such as essays and, at some universities, SAT or ACT scores.
What is the difference between AS and A-Level?
The AS is the first half of an A-Level in content. In England it is now a separate qualification that does not count towards the full A-Level. International A-Levels from Cambridge and Pearson still allow the AS to count towards the full A-Level.