A Levels are going to be one of the most difficult elements of preparing for the future. It’s important to have a revision plan in place to help your child do their best in all that they’re learning about, especially when it comes to the exams that will guide them to higher education. Here are some tips to help you understand what’s involved in A Levels and how they will help your child succeed.

A young adult standing up, holding books, walking into a classroom — Credit: Unsplash.

What are A Levels?

A-levels, short for Advanced Level qualifications, are academic qualifications typically taken by students in the UK and various other countries. They are usually completed over a two-year period, typically in the final two years of secondary school (grades 11 and 12 or equivalent).

A-levels are more specialised and advanced than General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams, which students typically take at around age 16. A-levels allow students to focus on specific subjects of interest and provide a deeper understanding and mastery of those subjects.

Students typically choose three or four A-level subjects, although some may choose more or fewer depending on their academic abilities and career aspirations. A-level subjects cover a wide range of disciplines, including sciences, humanities, languages, and arts.

A-levels are important for university admissions in many countries, including the UK, where they are often used as part of the criteria for selecting students for undergraduate programs. The grades achieved in A-level exams can have a significant impact on a student's future educational and career opportunities.

A Levels are essentially the easiest gateway through to university level, if your child wants to go into Sixth Form or in College. They can also be a big jump up for students, so it’s worth getting ahead of the curve if you can.

How are A Levels used by universities?

A Levels yield a certain number of UCAS points, a rating system used in the UK to aid universities in allocating the right number of places for future students. If your child receives 3 A grades in their A Levels then they’ll receive a high number of UCAS points available, usually 144 points. The more points your child has at the end of their studies, with the highest number of points you can get being 168 points, the greater chance your child gets at picking out the course of their dreams.

Although some universities consider contextual factors, such as the applicant's socioeconomic background or the performance of their school, alongside their A-level grades when making admissions decisions. This helps universities identify talented students who may have achieved lower grades due to external factors.

How often should my child be studying?

A Levels will swing into full force almost immediately after students receive their GCSE grades. Thankfully, your child is already in the swing of things when it comes to the next step in their educational journey. They should be studying each week and especially when your child is in their final months of studying.

Plan your study time effectively by creating a schedule that allocates sufficient time for each subject. Consider factors such as difficulty level, upcoming exams, and your personal commitments.

The key is to aim for regular, consistent study sessions rather than cramming all your studying into a few days before exams. Spreading out your study time over the duration of your A-level course can help you retain information better and reduce stress.

It’s a good thing to look into ways your child can pick up new skills, even if you consider looking for a tutor or a college scholarship in London to help with fees and to find the right level of education for them.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.