If you are a school owner looking to expand your academic offerings or a parent exploring educational pathways for your child, understanding A Levels is essential. A Levels remain one of the most widely recognised pre-university qualifications in the world, accepted by top institutions across the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and beyond.
This guide covers everything you need to know about A Levels: their two-year structure, grading system, and how they compare with alternative qualifications like the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
What A Levels Are: AS Level, A2, and How the Two-Year Structure Works
A Level stands for Advanced Level, a subject-based qualification for students aged 16 to 18, studied after completing GCSE examinations. A Levels are the primary academic pathway to university in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and they are also offered internationally through Cambridge International Education.
The Two-Year Structure
A Levels are studied across two academic years:
Year 12 (AS Level) The first year is the AS Level, or Advanced Subsidiary Level. In Wales and Northern Ireland, AS results still contribute to the final A Level grade, typically accounting for 40 percent of the overall mark. In England, AS Levels have been decoupled since 2015/2016 and function as standalone qualifications.
Year 13 (A2 Level) The second year covers more advanced content. In England, all examinations are taken at the end of Year 13 and the final grade is determined entirely by these end-of-course assessments. Together, the AS and A2 components form the complete A Level qualification.
A Levels Meaning in Practice
A Levels allow students to specialise. Unlike broader secondary programmes where students study eight to ten subjects, A Levels focus on three or four subjects in far greater depth. This specialisation is valued by universities, as it demonstrates a student’s ability to engage with complex material over an extended period.
A Level Subjects, Grading (A* to E), and How Many A Levels Students Usually Take
Popular A Level Subjects
Over 80 A Level subjects are available across UK examination boards, though schools typically offer a smaller selection. Popular subjects include Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, History, English Literature, Physics, and Economics.
Students should choose subjects that reflect their strengths and intended university course. For medicine or engineering, subject-specific requirements make it important to plan A Level choices carefully.
A Level Grades: The A* to E Scale
A Level grades are reported on a letter-based scale:
| Grade | Description |
| A* | Highest possible grade, exceptional performance |
| A | Excellent achievement |
| B | Above average, meets many university entry points |
| C | Solid pass, suitable for a range of courses |
| D | Below average but still a pass |
| E | Lowest passing grade |
| U | Ungraded (not a pass) |
Each grade carries a UCAS tariff point value used in the admissions process: A* is worth 56 points, A is 48, B is 40, and so on down to 16 for an E. Many selective universities, however, make offers based on specific grades rather than tariff points alone.
How Many A Levels Do Students Take?
Most students take three A Levels, which is the standard requirement for university entry. Offers are typically made on the basis of three grades, such as AAB or A*AA. Some students take four A Levels when applying to highly competitive institutions, but three strong results will almost always carry more weight than four subjects with mixed grades.
How Universities Use A Level Results, and How A Levels Compare With the OSSD
A Level Results and University Admissions
A Level results play a central role in university admissions across the United Kingdom. Students apply through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), where predicted grades form the basis of conditional offers. A Russell Group university might require A*AA, while others may accept BBB to ABB. Beyond the UK, A Levels are recognised in the United States, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
How A Levels Compare With the OSSD
A Levels are not the only internationally recognised qualification available. The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) from Canada provides an alternative that some schools and families may find better suited to their goals.
| Feature | A Levels | OSSD |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | Ontario, Canada |
| Duration | 2 years (Year 12-13) | Up to 4 years (Grades 9-12) |
| Subjects | Typically 3-4 subjects | 30 credits across diverse disciplines |
| Assessment | Exam-based, assessed at end of course | Continuous assessment with progressive evaluations |
| Grading | A* to E letter grades | Percentage-based (50% minimum to earn credit) |
| Specialisation | Deep focus on a few subjects | Broader curriculum with personalised paths |
| Recognition | Globally recognised | Globally recognised, no additional external testing |
| School Flexibility | Requires exam board affiliation | Integrates alongside existing national curricula |
The biggest difference is assessment. A Levels rely on final examinations, while the OSSD uses progressive evaluation where coursework contributes to the final grade. The OSSD also offers greater flexibility: schools can adopt it alongside their existing curriculum without replacing their core programme.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Levels
What does A Level stand for?
A Level stands for Advanced Level, a post-secondary qualification designed to prepare students for university, offered primarily in the United Kingdom and through international examination boards.
What is the difference between AS and A Levels?
AS Level covers the first year of A Level study. In England, it is a standalone qualification. In Wales and Northern Ireland, AS results count toward the overall A Level mark. The full A Level requires completion of both the AS and A2 components.
How many A Level subjects should a student take?
Most students take three, which is the standard for university entry. Three strong grades are typically more valuable than four average ones.
Are A Levels accepted outside the United Kingdom?
Yes. A Levels are recognised worldwide, including in Canada, the United States, Australia, Singapore, and across Europe. Specific entry requirements vary by country and university.
How does Rosedale International Education support schools looking for international programmes?
Rosedale partners with schools globally to deliver the OSSD, a Canadian qualification recognised by universities worldwide. Rosedale provides a transformative curriculum, centralised academic administration, and digital learning technology. Schools can integrate the OSSD alongside their existing curriculum for broader university pathways.
Explore International Programme Partnerships With Rosedale
While A Levels offer deep subject specialisation and strong university recognition, they may not be the ideal fit for every school or every learner. If you are a school owner seeking a globally recognised programme, or a parent exploring flexible pathways for university readiness, the OSSD through Rosedale International Education is worth considering.
Rosedale works with more than 100 partner schools across 17 countries, delivering an OSSD curriculum that emphasises higher-order thinking and personalised student pathways, with centralised academic administration from Toronto, Canada.
