A Levels, or Advanced Levels, are subject-based qualifications that students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland take after finishing their GCSEs typically between the ages of 16 and 18. A Levels are not compulsory, but they are usually required for university entrance and are the main qualification used for university admissions.
History and Development of A Levels
A Levels were established in 1951 as a standardised school-leaving qualification, allowing students to specialise in chosen subjects. They replaced the Higher School Certificate that had been in place since 1917. The first A Level exams took place in 1952, administered by examination boards under the supervision of the Ministry of Education. Over time, A Levels became the main benchmark of academic ability for university entrance.
Initially, A Levels were graded as a simple pass or fail, but in 1963 a five-grade system from A to E was introduced to differentiate student performance. This grading scale was later expanded in the 1980s to the current system of A*, A, B, C, D, E. Coursework was also introduced in the 1980s as continuous assessment, adding to the final examinations.
Since their inception, A Levels have undergone numerous reforms and changes. In 2000, Curriculum 2000 saw the development of AS Levels – standalone qualifications equivalent to half an A Level, taken after one year of study. The modular system was also introduced, breaking A Level courses down into smaller units that could be taken sequentially.
Examination structures have also evolved over the decades. Between 1963 and 1987, students took A Level exams after one or two years of study. Under Curriculum 2000, exams took place after both one and two years. Current A Levels use a linear structure, with all assessments taken at the end of the two-year course.
The rise of vocational qualifications in the 1990s and 2000s led to some questioning over the ongoing relevance and value of A Levels. But they have retained their role as the main passport to higher education, adapted over time to maintain rigor and standards.
Compulsory Education in the UK
Education is compulsory in the UK from ages 5 to 18 under the Education Act of 1996. This requires all children up to age 16 to receive suitable full-time education. Options include attending state, private, or home schooling. The compulsory school leaving age was raised to 18 in 2015, requiring students to continue in full-time education, start an apprenticeship, or work/volunteer part-time alongside part-time education.
While schooling is compulsory to age 18, there are no legal requirements regarding specific qualifications. GCSEs are the main qualification taken at age 16, but students are not obligated to sit them by law. However, in practice, not having GCSEs severely limits options for further study and training.
A Levels are not compulsory, as students can leave school or college at 18 without qualifications if they choose. But again, lack of qualifications closes many doors, so the vast majority continue studying after GCSEs. A Levels have become an essential step for accessing higher education and professional careers.
GCSE and A Level Pathway
The typical pathway is for students to take GCSEs across a broad range of subjects at age 16 in England and Wales. GCSEs assess knowledge and skills developed through the Key Stage 4 curriculum during secondary school. Standard GCSE courses take two years of study, while short course GCSEs take one year. GCSEs are graded 9-1, with 9 being the highest.
After completing GCSEs, the majority of students go on to take A Levels over two years, typically in years 12 and 13. The first year focuses on the AS Level qualification, taken in 3-4 subjects. In the second year, most students focus on 3 subjects to complete the full A Level. Good grades in relevant A Level subjects are usually required for university admission.
Some students may take an alternate route after GCSEs by studying vocational qualifications such as BTECs or higher-level apprenticeships. But A Levels remain the most popular choice, accounting for about 70% of students aged 16-18 in England. Their high status continues due to being an academic gold standard for university entrance.
A Level Subject Choices
One of the key benefits of A Levels is the range of subject choice available. Students can tailor their studies based on interests, abilities, and higher education plans. There are over 45 subjects to choose from, including:
– Sciences – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Psychology
– Humanities – History, Geography, Sociology, Law, Politics, Economics
– Languages – English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Latin
– Creative Arts – Art, Music, Drama, Photography, Media Studies
– Technology – Design, Computer Science, IT
– Business – Accounting, Business, Finance
The only restriction is that subjects chosen must be offered by the individual school or college. Some subjects such as Media Studies or Economics may not be universally available.
Universities may encourage students to study specific A Levels relevant for certain degrees, such as Sciences for Medicine. But there are no compulsory subjects, allowingMix and match based on interests and strengths.
It is common to study a balance of facilitators and enrichers. Facilitators are more academic subjects favoured by top universities, while enrichers allow students to follow passions like Music or Art. A mixed programme demonstrates ability across disciplines.
Access and Barriers
A Levels are widely accessible, offered in the vast majority of mainstream schools and colleges. However, those in remote areas may need to travel further to access choice. Some institutions set minimum GCSE grade requirements for entry to A Level programmes, usually at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9-5 or A*-C.
While state schools provide free A Level education, costs may arise for materials, transportation, and living expenses where students move away from home. Financial support is available based on family income.
For independent schools, A Level fees are expensive – averaging around £13,000 per year on top of prior tuition fees. Many offer bursaries, but this remains a barrier to access for less privileged students.
So in summary, A Levels are an optional stage of education after GCSEs but provide the main route into higher education. Their flexible nature allows specialisation around student interests and aspirations. Although not compulsory by law, they are seen as essential for accessing top universities and careers, cementing their ongoing status and value. The choice of subjects and focus on academia supports progression to competitive degrees and professions. Their strong reputation looks set to endure into the future despite an evolving educational landscape.
