A-Levels & Sixth Form
Choose the right subjects and build a strong foundation for your next step.
A levels are a well-established academic route for students preparing for university, further study, apprenticeships or employment. Usually taken after GCSEs or an equivalent stage of secondary education, they allow students to explore a smaller number of subjects in greater depth.
Study With FM helps students and families compare sixth forms and colleges, plan suitable subject combinations, understand entry requirements and prepare applications with confidence.
A Levels at a Glance
- Typical age: Around 16–18, depending on the institution and the student's circumstances.
- Typical duration: Two academic years, commonly called Year 12 (Lower Sixth) and Year 13 (Upper Sixth) in England.
- Number of subjects: Usually three A levels, although some students take four or more.
- Where to study: School sixth forms, sixth-form colleges, further-education colleges and independent schools or colleges.
- Possible next steps: University, foundation or pathway programmes, apprenticeships, further training or employment.
Some institutions offer accelerated, extended or resit programmes. Availability and entry conditions vary.
What Are A Levels and Sixth Form?
A levels, short for Advanced Level qualifications, are subject-based academic qualifications. In England, they are Level 3 qualifications and are usually assessed mainly through examinations, with practical or other non-exam assessment in some subjects.
Sixth form is not a qualification. It describes a stage or setting of education after age 16 where students may take A levels or other qualifications.
Students can study A levels at different types of institution:
- School sixth form: A post-16 department attached to a secondary school.
- Sixth-form college: A college focused mainly on education for students aged approximately 16–19.
- Further-education college: A college that may offer A levels alongside vocational and technical programmes.
- Independent school or college: A fee-paying provider that may offer A levels and, in some cases, boarding or residential accommodation.
The best setting depends on the student's subjects, academic profile, preferred environment, support needs and, for international applicants, eligibility to study at that institution.
Who Is This Route For?
A levels may suit students who want to:
- Study academic subjects in depth after GCSEs or an equivalent qualification.
- Prepare for a university course that requires particular subjects or grades.
- Keep several university or career options open while exploring their interests.
- Follow a recognised UK post-16 academic route as an international student.
A levels are not the only route into higher education. Other qualifications and preparatory programmes may be more suitable for some students.
Entry Requirements
There is no single entry requirement for every sixth form or A-level programme. Schools and colleges set their own admissions criteria, including requirements for individual subjects.
As a general indication, UCAS says students normally need at least five GCSEs at grades 9–4 (or the former A*–C scale), with at least grade 6 in the subjects they want to study. Some providers ask for higher grades, particularly for subjects such as Mathematics and the sciences.
Depending on the institution, admissions may also consider:
- GCSE or equivalent results, including English and Mathematics.
- Predicted grades, transcripts and school reports.
- Subject-specific academic requirements.
- Interviews or entrance assessments.
- English-language ability, where relevant.
- Other school- or college-specific conditions.
International qualifications may be assessed individually rather than converted directly into GCSE grades. We help families review the actual requirements of the institutions they are considering.
Choosing Your A-Level Subjects
Subject choice matters because some university courses require, or strongly prefer, specific A levels. Before deciding, consider your strongest subjects, interests, possible degree courses, preferred careers, assessment styles and the subjects offered by each school or college.
For example:
- Medicine: Chemistry and often Biology are important for many medical schools, but requirements differ.
- Engineering: Mathematics is commonly required, and many courses also require Physics.
- Economics: Mathematics may be required or strongly preferred, particularly for quantitative degrees.
- Law: There is generally no single A-level subject required by every law degree.
- Art and Design: Relevant creative subjects and a portfolio may be important for certain courses.
- Humanities: Subjects such as English, History, Geography, Politics or languages may support different degree choices.
These are examples, not universal entry rules. Always check the requirements of the individual university courses you may wish to apply for.
Are four A levels better than three? Not automatically. Three is the most common combination. Strong grades in three appropriate subjects can be more useful than an additional subject that adds workload without improving your options.
Assessment, Grades and AS Levels
In England, A levels are normally linear qualifications, with the principal examinations taken at the end of the course. Some subjects also include practical, performance-based or other non-exam assessment.
A-level grades range from A* (highest) to E. A result below the minimum grading standard is reported as U. AS levels are graded A–E.
AS Level and A Level are not always part of the same qualification. In England, AS levels are standalone qualifications: an AS result does not count towards the final A-level grade. In Wales and Northern Ireland, the relationship between AS and A levels can differ according to the qualification and awarding body. Students should check the structure of the precise course they are taking.
A Levels Across the UK
- England: A levels are a major post-16 academic route. Young people must continue in education or training until 18, although this does not necessarily mean remaining at school.
- Wales: A levels are offered, but some qualification and assessment arrangements differ from those in England.
- Northern Ireland: A levels are widely offered, with some differences in qualification structure and assessment.
- Scotland: Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, rather than A levels, are the main school-based academic qualifications for progression to higher education.
Qualification rules, subject availability and entry requirements should be checked for the particular institution and awarding body.
Information for International Students and Families
International students can apply for A-level programmes where they meet the institution's academic, age and English-language requirements and have the appropriate permission to study in the UK.
UK Student and Child Student Visas
The appropriate immigration route depends on the student's age, course and institution, including whether the provider holds the relevant sponsor licence.
- Child Student visa: Generally available to students aged 4–17 studying at an eligible, licensed independent school.
- Student visa: Available from age 16 for eligible courses with a licensed Student sponsor, including some full-time Level 3 programmes.
- Students aged 16 or 17: Those studying an eligible Level 3 course at an independent school may be able to apply under either the Child Student or Student route, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
Neither route should be assumed to cover every school or sixth-form college. In particular, the Student route does not permit study at a maintained local-authority school or academy.
Parents, Work Rights and Living Arrangements
The Parent of a Child Student visa is not generally an option for parents accompanying a typical A-level-age student: the qualifying child must be aged 4–11 when the parent applies. Families should plan accommodation and care arrangements accordingly.
Working rights also depend on the individual visa conditions. A Child Student aged 16 or over can generally work up to 10 hours a week during term time, subject to the applicable restrictions. Under the Student route, below-degree-level study may carry different work conditions, including no permission to work in some cases. Students must check their own immigration permission rather than assume a universal rule.
For students under 18, families may also need to organise boarding or accommodation, parental consent, emergency contacts, school-holiday arrangements, arrival support and educational guardianship where required. Guardianship is not automatically included with an A-level course and must be arranged separately when needed.
Immigration support: Study With FM can help with general published information, document organisation and administrative visa-application tasks. We are not registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) and do not provide personalised regulated UK immigration advice. For advice on individual immigration circumstances, consult an appropriately authorised adviser.
What Can You Do After A Levels?
A levels can support progression to undergraduate degrees, relevant foundation or pathway programmes, degree apprenticeships, other training and employment.
For university applications, institutions may consider the subjects studied, predicted or achieved grades, admissions tests, interviews, portfolios and other course-specific requirements. Completing A levels does not guarantee a university place.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing subjects without checking university requirements: A preferred degree may require a subject you were planning to leave out.
- Assuming more A levels always means a stronger application: An appropriate combination and good results matter more than simply taking the most subjects.
- Overlooking subject-specific entry grades: Meeting the sixth form's general requirement may not qualify you for every A-level subject.
- Assuming every college offers the same subjects or assessment styles: Check each provider's actual options and timetable.
- Confusing AS levels, A levels and sixth form: Their meanings and relationships are not interchangeable.
- Leaving international arrangements until the last minute: Admissions, visa administration, accommodation and welfare planning may need extra time.
How Study With FM Helps
We work with students and families to make the selection and application process clearer. Depending on the student's needs and the services agreed, support can include:
- Reviewing academic records, interests and future university or career goals.
- Identifying suitable sixth forms, schools and colleges.
- Comparing locations, subject combinations, boarding options and entry requirements.
- Checking university subject prerequisites before choices are finalised.
- Preparing and coordinating applications and supporting documents.
- Supporting preparation for entrance assessments or interviews, where required.
- Considering special educational needs (SEN), disability and accessibility requirements when comparing institutions.
- Discussing accommodation, educational guardianship and pre-departure arrangements where relevant.
- Providing administrative support for eligible international students' visa applications, without regulated immigration advice.
The exact support and any applicable service fees are confirmed according to the individual case. Admission decisions, examination grades and immigration outcomes remain outside our control.
What We May Need From You
To help identify suitable options, we may ask for the student's age, current school, GCSE or equivalent results, predicted grades, preferred subjects, university or career interests, intended start date, preferred location, day-school or boarding preference and budget. For international applicants, relevant English-language and immigration information may also be needed. We will discuss any SEN or accessibility requirements where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Study Options and Services
Planning Your A-Level or Sixth-Form Studies?
Tell us about your current school, subjects and grades, where you would like to study and what you hope to do next. We can help you identify suitable options, understand the requirements and plan your next steps.