A level

A level (Advanced Level) qualifications are usually obtained after two years of studying. The first year used to be called AS level and the second year used to be called A2, so you might recognise those names. You will expect to study A levels in three different subjects, although occasionally we advise students to study four subjects for specialist courses.

A levels are ideal for focused and hardworking students in their last two years of high school. If you excel in a particular area you will like A levels as the courses allow you to explore a small number of subjects in a lot of depth, providing specialised preparation towards further study.

A levels are the most common route for entry to Higher Education in the UK, so you can be sure your hard work will be recognised by all the top universities in the UK and around the world.

At CATS we offer a special Fast-Track one-year A level option for some students. The Fast-Track programme is designed for students who can complete the normal two-year courses in less time, and is ideal if you are highly ambitious and in your last year of high school. The Fast-Track programme might also help you if you want to come to CATS for additional revision to retake examinations.

Number of subjects

You will expect to study three different subjects for the two year course. For some specialist course combinations, such as Further Maths, you might study four subjects, and we will advise you on the best option for you. You will also study English alongside your A levels.

How you are assessed

In some subjects, there is a small amount of assessment during the course, but mainly you will take formal exams at the end of the course. These exams are set by government approved examination boards across the whole of the UK, so the grades you get are highly valuable formal external qualifications.

A level results are published nationally in August each year. Grades range from A* (pronounced A-star) down to E, although we expect most of our students to gain grades A* to B.