Advanced Level (A Level)
What are A Levels?A levels are studied typically between the ages of 16-18 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, although mature students are also encouraged. They remain the most popular route into UK higher education institutions.
Introduction to A-Levels
The majority of students enrol onto an A-level course at the age of 16-18 as a prequel to application to a university. This is due to the high standard of entries to each university, meaning the institution requires a certain academic grade and subject of A-level in order for them to offer a student a place.
A-levels are most well-known in the UK, with the exception of Scotland, however there are a number of countries worldwide that also use the A-level as a grading and course structure in academia.It is interesting to note that there are several countries within the Commonwealth and British territories, i.e. Gibraltar, Malta and New Zealand, which have adopted the A-level system, though the content and structure of the courses vary with each country.
As well as the traditional academic courses such as mathematics and English, students can choose to go to tertiary colleges to sit a wider choice of A-level, which tend to be more vocation based.
Studying A-Levels
So you've finished your GCSE's and now what do you do? With so many opportunities such as going out into the working world, training as an apprentice, going to college or joining the forces it may seem overwhelming, especially at your young age, to make such a huge decision regarding your career and life.
Studying A-levels is one of the better options in this scenario and has its many benefits. Studying A-levels at your school means you already know your teacher and their teaching methods, you know the people you will be working with and you can have another two years at school, which you would not get back again once you had left, whereas college, work, apprenticeships and the forces can all be accessed after completion of your A-levels.You can pick three-four subjects that really interest you and the grades you get and being in these academic surroundings will benefit you if you should apply to university or college, or even work! There are hundreds of A-level subjects to choose from, encompassing the arts, science, health and social care as well as others so you can mix and match your choices to discover what you really want to do.
After your two years of A-levels are up and you have your grades you can begin to assess where you want your career to go, and you will be better equipped and in a better state of mind then you would be making this decision after your GCSEs. So when deciding upon your future seriously consider A-levels for the leg up onto your chosen career ladder.
A-Levels for Adults
As an adult wanting to return to education, or just wanting to start a great career, you may find that your chosen institution requires you to have a certain grade in a certain subject at the A-level level. You quite possibly think that the boat has sailed and you are unable to take A-levels, however there are a number of possibilities that you can utilise to your advantage.
For example, the Open University offers A-levels in certain subjects. Failing that, you can apply through a school to simply pay for and sit the exam and learn the curriculum in your own way and at your own pace. Many colleges offer A-levels or A-level alternatives, which is a great option if you have the free time. Alternatively you can opt for distance learning A-levels. A-Levels via Distance Learning
If you want more out of your life and feel that your qualifications let you down, why not look into full time study of A-levels? You're probably thinking right now that you would like to, but your busy schedule and current job makes it impossible for you to enrol onto a college course in education.
Luckily in today's modern world you can study for your A-levels from the comfort of your own home. Distance learning courses aim to provide you with the same quality and experience as you would benefit from in a classroom environment, but to best suit your needs at home. Whether you are in full time employment, a full time parent or carer, have a disability or anything else, you could gain your A-levels in your own home with professional tutors guiding you throughout the course.One of the major benefits of distance learning is that you can study at your own pace and in your own time, but still encompass all of the curriculum's criteria. There are a broad range of institutions offering you the chance to gain your A Levels in a distance learning environment both online, via phone and mail and they include a huge range of subjects from art to mathematics to English and science.
Don't waste your time doing something you don't enjoy when you could benefit from having some academic qualifications and starting your own dream career in several small and simple steps.
A-Level Funding
After all of this you're probably wondering how you will pay for your A-level qualification. Luckily, if you are unemployed and in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance and this is your first attempt at this level of qualification then you may be eligible for your fees to be paid.
There are also a number of organisations offering grants such as the Adult Learner's Grant (ALG) where you can receive a weekly allowance if this is the highest level of qualification you are studying for.If you are 16-18 the cost of your A-levels are covered in your schooling fees, so there is no need to worry. But you can be eligible for the Educational Maintenance Allowance, where you can receive a weekly grant to help towards your equipment and living costs.
There are a number of companies willing to support you, so it is definitely worth sourcing all of the option available to you, then you can look forward to getting the qualifications you need to fulfil your life's ambitions.
How many subjects do I take?
To gain entry to a top UK university you’ll need 3 or 4 good A Level grades, although if you’re exceptionally talented you can take 5 subjects.
What subjects can I study?
There is a broad range of A levels for you to choose from, including Business, Science, Arts and Humanities subjects. At Bellerbys we encourage you to study the subjects you'll enjoy. However, we recommend the following choices in preparation for specific degree areas:
- Science, Medicine and Engineering: Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
- Business, Humanities and Law: Maths, Economics, Accountancy, Business Studies, English Literature and Psychology.
Each A Level consists of 6 units which are studied in two stages:
- Stage 1 – Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level: You’ll study 3 modules and upon completion you’ll be awarded an AS Level.
- Stage 2 – A2 level: You’ll study the second set of 3 units which will take your AS level to a full A Level.
What do my grades mean?
For each A Level subject you take, you’ll receive a grade from A–E. The entrance requirements for the university courses you’ve applied for will be expressed as either:
- Grades: AAB, BCC or CCC for example.
- A UCAS Tariff score: 360, 300 or 280 for example.
A Levels
| Grade | Points |
| A* | 140 |
| A | 120 |
| B | 100 |
| C | 80 |
| D | 60 |
| E | 40 |
| Grade | Points |
| a | 60 |
| b | 50 |
| c | 40 |
| d | 30 |
| e | 20 |
What else will I gain from taking A Levels?
In addition to academic study, the aim of A Level study is to develop important competences: Independent thinking, study skills, team working, research and analysis. It will also help you to decide what you would like to study at degree level.
Your best path to the best universities
This course is ideal if you:- are aged 15 or over
- want to study for internationally recognised qualifications
- want to go to the very best universities
- want dedicated preparation for 'Oxbridge' and medical school entry
A Levels: the 'gold standard'
'Advanced Levels' are UK public university entrance examinations and are recognised worldwide. A Levels give you the in-depth preparation you need to excel on the most demanding and competitive degree courses.Personalised teaching in small classes
A level classes are kept small. You will benefit from the close personal attention of a teacher who is a dedicated expert in their academic field.You'll study Key Skills, along with four subjects on the five or six-term programme and three or four subjects on the three-term programme.
End of course examinations are taken in May/June and January.
See a full list of A Level subjects
Your path to the best universities
Success at A Level allows you to choose the right university and degree from every UK university. If you have exceptional academic ability, your ambition might be to graduate to either Oxford or Cambridge University or a UK medical school. These institutions are some of the most competitive in the world. You will need specialist preparation in addition to your excellent academic qualifications. We offer this preparation for the very best students on the A Level programme.A history of exceptional results
At Bellerbys we have a 20-year record of exceptional A Level results. It is proof of the excellent teaching and support each of our students receives - coupled with the hard work and dedication of the students themselves. The last academic year was our most successful yet. Below are just a few of our top 2011 A Level students.| Student Name | Grades | Degree | University |
| Poh Ee Teo | A*A*A*A*Aaa | Mathematics & Economics | LSE |
| Kana Maniwa | A*A*A*AAA | War Studies | King's College |
| Kevin Surya Widaja | A*A*A*A*A | Chemical Engineering | Cambridge |
| Sharlene Shun Yan Tai | A*A*A*AA | Law | King's College |
| Zuzana Chlupackova | A*A*A*AA | Philosophy, Politics & Economics | Oxford |
Supervision Plus - optional support for Bellerbys students at university
We understand that settling into a new life at university after graduating from Bellerbys can be difficult for some students. For this reason, we are now offering a new, optional academic counselling service called Supervision Plus to help those students adjust in their first terms at university.
Students graduating from our A Level courses to a British university can sign up for this optional service at the beginning, during or at the end of their studies at Bellerbys.
