Qualifications

While A-levels are a qualification in their own right, they are often the prerequisite for university-level study as well, though some universities also require applicants to take separate entrance examinations.

Universities in the United Kingdom frequently demand that applicants achieve a minimum set of grades in A-level examinations, or the equivalent in other examination systems, before accepting them.

Structure

The most recent changes to A-levels began in 2000, when the government introduced Curriculum 2000 which split the A-level into two parts, the AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A2 examinations. Satisfactory achievement in AS and A2 modules results in the award of an A-level qualification. It is possible to sit only AS modules in which case only an AS-level qualification would be gained, this is given half the number of points of a full A-level on the UCAS tariff points system.

Grading

In the current system, A-levels are graded from A to E. Each grade requires a specific percentage of the points available in both the A- and AS-levels.

Examination Boards

A-level examinations are administered through a series of examination boards. These were originally based on the major UK universities but have over the last 50 years merged large organisations. The A Levels offered by ICS are examined by the AQA and Edexcel examination boards.