View source for A-level

{{short description|British educational certification}}
{{about|the general qualification examined in the UK and internationally|the UK qualification|A-level (United Kingdom)}}
{{For|the film|A Level (film){{!}}''A Level'' (film)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox examination
| name                = Advanced Level (A-level)
| image_name          = ALevel.svg
| image_size          = 
| image_alt           =  
| caption             = An old GCE Advanced Level logo historically used by [[Cambridge Assessment International Education|Cambridge International Education]]
| acronym             = A-level
| type                = [[General Certificate of Education]]
| test_admin          = 
| skills_tested       = 
| purpose             = 
| year_started        = 1951
| year_terminated     = <!-- {{End date|YYYY}} -->
| duration            = 2 years
| score_range         = 
| score_validity      = 
| offered             = 
| attempt_restriction =
| regions             =
| language            = [[English language]], [[Welsh language]]
| test_takers         = 
| prerequisite        = Typically [[General Certificate of Secondary Education]]
| fee                 =  
| score_users         = 
| qualification_rate  = 
| website             = 
| footnotes           =  
}}

The '''A-level''' ('''Advanced Level''') is a subject-based qualification conferred as part of the [[General Certificate of Education]], as well as a [[school leaving qualification]] offered by [[Education in the United Kingdom|the educational bodies in the United Kingdom]] and [[Education in the Crown dependencies|the educational authorities of British Crown dependencies]] to students completing secondary or pre-university education.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/a-level|title=A level definition and meaning |work=Collins English Dictionary|language=en|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref> They were introduced in England and Wales in 1951 to replace the [[Higher School Certificate (England and Wales)|Higher School Certificate]]. The A-level permits students to have potential access to a chosen university they applied to with [[UCAS]] points. They could be accepted into it should they meet the requirements of the university.<ref>{{Cite web |title=University Clearing through UCAS |url=https://www.gov.uk/university-clearing-through-ucas |access-date=2023-12-17 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Students |first=Office for |date=2022-04-06 |title=Schools, attainment and the role of higher education - Office for Students |url=https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/schools-attainment-and-the-role-of-higher-education/ |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=www.officeforstudents.org.uk |language=en-GB}}</ref>

A number of [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] countries have developed qualifications with the same name as and a similar format to the British A-levels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.zimembassy.se/health.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015025349/http://www.zimembassy.se/health.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-10-15|title=Zimbabwe Health & Education|date=2015-10-15|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/news/news-details/view/zimbabwean-students-celebrate-their-outstanding-exam-performance-20180614/|title=Zimbabwean students celebrate their outstanding exam performance|website=cambridgeinternational.org|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/working-with-governments/our-experience/mauritius/|title=Mauritius|website=cambridgeinternational.org|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref> Obtaining an A-level, or equivalent qualifications, is generally required across the board for university entrance, with universities granting offers based on grades achieved.<ref name="A levels">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ucas.com/further-education/post-16-qualifications/qualifications-you-can-take/levels|title=A levels|date=2014-10-21|website=UCAS|language=en|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref> Particularly in [[Singapore]], its [[Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level|A-level examinations]] have been regarded as being much more challenging than those in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seab.gov.sg/home/examinations/gce-a-level/about-gce-a-level|title=SEAB – About GCE A-Level|website=seab.gov.sg|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref><ref name="SGA"/>

A-levels are typically worked towards over two years. Normally, students take three or four A-level courses in their first year of [[sixth form]], and most taking four cut back to three in their second year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/parents/alevels/|title=Schools Parents – AS and A levels|publisher=BBC|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oxford-royale.co.uk/articles/how-to-choose-a-levels.html|title=How to Choose the Right A-levels: a Guide for GCSE Students|last=gversion.com|date=2017-12-14|website=Oxford Summer School from Oxford Royale Academy|language=en|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/sep/05/which-alevel-subject-should-students-drop|title=After AS levels: which subjects should students drop?|last=Naden|first=Gavan|date=2014-09-05|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-02-10|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref name="A levels"/> This is because university offers are normally based on three A-level grades, and taking a fourth can have an impact on grades. Unlike other level-3 qualifications, such as the [[International Baccalaureate]], A-levels have no specific subject requirements, so students have the opportunity to combine any subjects they wish to take. However, students normally pick their courses based on the degree they wish to pursue at university: most degrees require specific A-levels for entry.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/a-levels-and-highers/choosing-a-levels/university-courses-requiring-specific-a-level-subjects-or-grades/|title=University courses requiring specific A Level subjects or grades|website=thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk|language=en-gb|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref>

In legacy modular courses (last assessment Summer 2019), A-levels are split into two parts, with students within their first year of study pursuing an '''Advanced Subsidiary qualification''', commonly referred to as an AS or AS-level, which can either serve as an independent qualification or contribute 40% of the marks towards a full A-level award. The second part is known as an A2 or A2-level, which is generally more in-depth and academically rigorous than the AS. The AS and A2 marks are combined for a full A-level award. The A2-level is not a qualification on its own and must be accompanied by an AS-level in the same subject for certification.<ref>{{Cite web|title=GCSE, AS and A level reforms|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/gcse-as-and-a-level-reforms|access-date=2021-09-29|website=GOV.UK|date=23 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref>

A-level exams are a [[matriculation examination]] and can be compared to ''[[matura]]'', the {{lang|de|[[Abitur]]}} or the {{lang|fr|[[Baccalauréat]]}}.

==Current usage==
Several countries use A-levels as a school-leaving qualification. The A-levels taken by students in other countries may differ from the A-levels taken in the United Kingdom.

===International usage===
Many schools in countries world-wide offer A-Levels through international cross-border exam boards, which include [[Cambridge Assessment International Education|Cambridge International Education]] (CIE), [[Pearson Edexcel]], and OxfordAQA.

=== Bangladesh ===
In Bangladesh, the [[GCE Advanced Level (United Kingdom)|GCE AS and A-level]] are offered by [[Cambridge Assessment International Education|Cambridge International Education (CIE)]] and [[Edexcel|Pearson Edexcel]] after completion of [[GCE Ordinary Level|GCE O-level]] or [[International General Certificate of Secondary Education|IGCSE]] (CIE), and is conducted by the [[British Council]]. GCE Advanced Level qualifications are offered by some of the private, public, and international schools as an alternative to HSC ([[Higher Secondary School Certificate]]) offered by the Government Board of Education. It has become a popular choice among students, but due to financial implications, its reach is limited to the middle and upper classes in major cities such as [[Dhaka]] and [[Chittagong]].

===Brunei===
In [[Brunei]], the A-level qualification is offered, with examinations conducted by [[Cambridge Assessment International Education|Cambridge International Education]] (CIE). Some subjects are unique to Brunei or have a format, curriculum, or syllabus that is unique to Brunei.

===Cameroon===
The Advanced Level of Cameroon is based on the [[Cambridge International Examinations|Cambridge International Education]] and similarly, conducted by the government of Cameroon in collaboration with Cambridge University. All the courses taken are related to what the candidate is willing to pursue a career in university and these courses are on a recognizable international standard for university entrance; as they are major relevant courses.

===Hong Kong===
The British A-level qualifications such as GCE A-level and International A-level are widely accepted in Hong Kong as an alternative to the [[Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education]] for both admission and employment purposes. It is one of the most popular qualifications used for university admission via the non-[[Joint University Programmes Admissions System|JUPAS]] channel. For example, average non-JUPAS offers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology require one to three A*s (the mid-50% range). Since the introduction of the high distinction grade (A*) in 2010, the British A-level examination has regained its power to differentiate the very top levels of ability. According to the British Department for Education, in the academic year 2014/15, approximately 7.3%, 2.7%, 1.0%, and 0.3% of all the candidates from the GCSE cohort (548,480) achieved one to four A*s or a better result in the GCE A-level examination. This percentile rank is one important input for equating the levels in both examinations. On the sole basis of percentile ranks and the grade statistics from HKEAA in 2017, a score of 29/35 from the best five subjects in [[Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education]] is comparable to 1A*2A in the best three British A-levels, 32/35 to 2A*1A, 33/35 to 3A* and 34/35 to 4A*. In deriving inferences from these statistics, it is important to note that slightly more than a third of the GCSE candidates can go on to study in the sixth form before applying to universities via [[UCAS|the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)]] while almost all Hong Kong students can study Form 6 before sitting the HKDSE examination.

Relevant authorities such as the [[HKEAA|Hong Kong Examination and Assessment Authority (HKEAA)]] and UCAS also sought to connect the results from both exam systems to open doors for the holders of these qualifications who wish to study locally or overseas. Officially, the top distinction levels, A* in A-level and 5** in HKDSE, are currently recognized as broadly equivalent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hkeaa.edu.hk/en/recognition/benchmarking/hkdse/ucas|title=Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority - Benchmarking Studies on International Examinations - HKDSE|website=www.hkeaa.edu.hk}}</ref> In particular, in the light of statistical evidence, the 1% cut-off line is often set by admission offices at 2A*1A as compared to a score of 43/45 in the [[International Baccalaureate]] Diploma but the Uniform Mark Scale (UMS) instead of the letter grades would be used in many cases to offer a much more subtle view of the candidate's academic potential. Typical offers from Cambridge Medical School require 2A*1A and [[Oxford University Medical School]] require 1A*2A whereas those from the medical and dentistry schools of the University of Hong Kong and the [[Chinese University of Hong Kong]] require 4A* and 3A* respectively in A-level due to fierce competition.

=== Macau ===
The International Advanced Level qualifications are offered in some private schools and international schools which teaching medium is English and adopt IAL curriculum. Students in [[Macau]] can take the Cambridge exam board as well as the Edexcel exam board at their school. It is one of the most popular qualifications for the students who want to pursue their university study in UK, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand. International Advanced Level qualification is also accepted by Macau local universities for applying for direct admission, the applicants with IAL qualification are not required to take the [[Joint Admission Examination|Joint Admission Examination for Macao Four Higher Education Institution]].

===India===
In [[India]], [[Cambridge Assessment International Education|Cambridge International Education]] (CIE), and Learning Resource Network (LRN) GCE Advanced Level qualifications are offered at private and international schools as an alternative to the conventional Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC).

===Malaysia===
In [[Malaysia]], the A-level qualification is offered, with examinations conducted by [[Cambridge Assessment International Education|Cambridge International Education]] (CIE). Some subjects are unique to Malaysia or have a format, curriculum, or syllabus that is unique to Malaysia. For instance, there are two types of A-level in Malaysia, Cambridge A-level (administered by Cambridge International Examinations) and Edexcel International Advanced Level (administered by [[Pearson Education|Pearson Edexcel]]).

===Mauritius===
{{main|Higher School Certificate (Mauritius)}}

In [[Mauritius]], A/AS-level qualifications are taken as part of the [[Higher School Certificate (Mauritius)|Higher School Certificate]], awarded upon successful completion of [[Secondary education in Mauritius|secondary school]] after passing of examinations jointly administered by the [[Mauritius Examinations Syndicate]] and the [[UCLES|University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate]] (UCLES). Some exam papers offered, such as [[French language|French]], are customized to support the national educational standards. Additionally, International A-level qualifications from [[Edexcel]] are available, for which exams may be registered through the Mauritius Examinations Syndicate.

===Nepal===
In [[Nepal]], A-level offered from [[Cambridge Assessment International Education|Cambridge International Education]] (CIE) is the most popular and is presented by several public, private, and international institutions as an alternative to the [[National Examination Board (Nepal)]]'s 10+2 curriculum. A-level has become a popular choice for many students in Nepal. Besides A-level, [[International Baccalaureate]] and [[Advanced Placement]] are also offered at this level. Nepali students generally appear for 4 subjects at A-level and 5 at AS-level.

===Pakistan===
A-levels are offered in [[Pakistan]] by governmental and private institutions, along with [[International Baccalaureate]] and other international examinations like the [[Advanced Placement]]. Examinations are handled by international British boards and the program is equivalent to [[Higher Secondary School Certificate]]. [[Cram Schools]] are established all around the country which prepares the students to take the examinations as private candidates.

===Seychelles===
In [[Seychelles]], the A-level qualification is offered, with examinations conducted by [[Cambridge Assessment International Education|Cambridge International Education]] (CIE). Some subjects are unique to Seychelles or have a format, curriculum, or syllabus that is unique to Seychelles.

===Singapore===
{{main|Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level}}

In [[Singapore]], [[Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level|H1/H2/H3 level]] qualifications are awarded upon successful completion of examinations jointly administered by [[Ministry of Education (Singapore)|Singapore Ministry of Education]] (MOE), [[Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board]] (SEAB) and the [[UCLES|University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate]] (UCLES). Singaporean A-levels are notably much more difficult than the British A-levels but a little bit easier than the Hong Kong A-level Examination in terms of the proportion of students achieving the highest grades,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Students |first=Office for |date=2022-04-06 |title=Schools, attainment and the role of higher education - Office for Students |url=https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/schools-attainment-and-the-role-of-higher-education/ |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=www.officeforstudents.org.uk |language=en-GB}}</ref> as part of the country's wider [[Education in Singapore|robust educational policy]].<ref name="SGA">{{cite web |last1=Paine |first1=Sam |title=How Hard Are The A-Level Exams? Harder Than You Might Expect. – The British Exams |url=https://thebritishexams.com/how-hard-are-the-a-level-exams-harder-than-you-might-expect/ |access-date=26 January 2022 |language=en-uk}}</ref>

===Sri Lanka===
{{Main|GCE Advanced Level in Sri Lanka}}
In [[Sri Lanka]], A-level qualifications are offered by governmental and non-governmental schools (Private Schools). The qualifications are awarded upon successful completion of examinations called Local A-levels while most of the private schools award them upon London A-levels. Local GCE Advanced Level qualifications are offered by the [[Department of Examinations]]. Private Schools ([[International School]]s) in [[Sri Lanka]] provide A-level qualifications which are offered by:
* [[Cambridge Assessment International Education|Cambridge International Education]] (CIE)
* [[Edexcel]]

Passing A-levels is a major requirement for applying to local universities and for private universities in [[Sri Lanka]]. In the recent past, Universities in Sri Lanka have given the opportunity to apply for their foundation courses which only require [[GCE Ordinary Level|O-level]] (Ordinary Level) results.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Programmes - Foundation Programmes {{!}} NIBM Sri Lanka |url=https://www.nibm.lk/courses/foundation-programmes/ |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=NIBM |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Tanzania ===

A-level is an education structure after the completion of 11 years of Universal Primary Education (UPE). Universal Primary Education consists of two levels, the primary school level of seven years and ordinarily secondary level, of four years.

Students are then required to sit for the National Examination which is done on a specific month in a certain year. The exams are done throughout the country on the same date provided by the examination board. Examinations will depend on the cluster and core subjects in which a student shall take. There are three major clusters, namely science, business, and liberal arts plus core subjects of which are seven in total or more. Students who will then pass according to the National Examination Standards shall be selected to join Advanced Secondary Education and are selected according to the subjects they passed the most and by their will to pursue certain subjects.

There are only three core subjects to study in Advanced Level and one or more optional subjects to sit for the Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE). Then students are awarded Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education only if they have passed. The pass marks are arranged according to grades and the grades will determine whether a student will qualify to join tertiary education.

A-level education is a two years education which is offered by the government and non-government schools. It is regulated by the Ministry of Education which assures both qualitative and quantitative subject matters and there is a special independent council that is responsible in composing the Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) namely The National Examination Council of Tanzania (NECTA).

=== Uganda ===
In Uganda, a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education is awarded to students who have passed their national examinations that are set and marked by the [[Uganda National Examinations Board|Uganda National Examination Board]] (UNEB). It is among the requirements for one to join a university in Uganda. The advanced level takes two years for one to complete.

===United Kingdom===
{{main|A-level (United Kingdom)}}

A-levels are a college or sixth form leaving qualification offered in [[England]], [[Wales]], and [[Northern Ireland]]. These are not compulsory, unlike GCSEs. In [[Scotland]], A-levels are also offered by some schools as an alternative school-leaving qualification in place of the Scottish [[Advanced Higher]]. The main examination boards which administer British A-levels in the UK are:
* [[Assessment and Qualifications Alliance]] (AQA)
* Oxford, Cambridge, and RSA Examinations (OCR)
* [[Edexcel]] (Edexcel Pearson – London Examinations)
* [[Welsh Joint Education Committee]] (WJEC)
* [[Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment]] (CCEA)
* [[Cambridge Assessment International Education|Cambridge International Education]] (CIE)
* Learning Resource Network (LRN)

Oxford AQA, Edexcel, [[Cambridge International Examinations|Cambridge International Education]] (CIE), and Learning Resource Network (LRN) also offer international versions of the British A-levels in the United Kingdom and worldwide.

The British variant of A/AS-levels is also taken in many [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] and former Commonwealth countries, as well as in examination centers worldwide. British international schools in foreign countries generally offer the British A-levels as offered through Edexcel or Cambridge International Examinations. At select examination centers, the British A-level exams may also be available to private candidates.

==== Subjects offered ====
{{main|List of Advanced Level subjects|l1=List of Advanced Level Subjects (A-Level)}}
A wide variety of subjects are offered at A-level by the five exam boards. Although exam boards often alter their curricula, this table shows the majority of subjects that are consistently available for study. 
{{div col}}
* [[Accounting]]<ref name="AQA">{{Cite web|url=http://www.aqa.org.uk/qualifications|title=Qualifications|website=aqa.org.uk|access-date=2017-09-30}}</ref><ref name="CIE">{{Cite web|url=http://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-advanced/cambridge-international-as-and-a-levels/subjects|title=Cambridge International AS and A Level subjects|website=cambridgeinternational.org|access-date=2017-09-30}}</ref><ref name="OCR">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/by-type/as-a-level-gce|title=AS/A Level GCE qualifications – OCR|website=ocr.org.uk|access-date=2017-09-30}}</ref>
* [[Afrikaans language|Afrikaans]]<ref name="CIE"/>
* [[Ancient History]]<ref name="OCR"/>
* [[Art and Design]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel">{{Cite web|url=https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels.html|title=Edexcel A levels qualifications|website=Pearson|access-date=2017-09-30}}</ref>
* [[Applied Science]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Arabic language|Arabic]]<ref name="CIE"/><ref name="Edexcel"/>
* [[Archaeology]]<ref name="AQA"/>
* [[Architecture]]<ref name="AQA"/>
* [[Bengali language|Bengali]]<ref name="AQA"/>
* [[Biblical Hebrew]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="OCR"/>
* [[Biology]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Business]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA">{{Cite web|url=http://ccea.org.uk/qualifications/gce|title=General Certificate of Education (GCE)|date=2012-08-06|website=ccea.org.uk|access-date=2017-09-30}}</ref><ref name="WJEC">{{Cite web|url=http://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/levels/gceaas.html|title=GCE AS/A|website=wjec.co.uk|access-date=2017-09-30}}</ref>
* [[Business Studies]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Chemistry]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Chinese language|Chinese]]<ref name="Edexcel"/>
* [[Civilisation|Classical Civilisation]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="OCR"/>
* [[Ancient Greek|Classical Greek]]<ref name="OCR"/>
* [[Classics|Classical Studies]]<ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/>
* [[Communication]] and [[Culture]]<ref name="AQA"/>
* [[Computer Science]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Criminology]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Dance]]<ref name="AQA"/>
* [[Design and Technology]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Design]] and [[Textiles]]<ref name="CIE"/>
* [[Digital Media]] and [[Design]]<ref name="CIE"/>
* [[Information technology|Digital Technology]]<ref name="CCEA"/>
* [[Divinity (academic discipline)|Divinity]]<ref name="CIE"/>
* [[Drama]]<ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Drama]] and [[Theatre]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/>
* [[Dutch language|Dutch]]<ref name="OCR"/>
* [[Economics]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Economics]] and [[Business]]<ref name="Edexcel"/>
* [[Electronics]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Engineering]]<ref name="Edexcel"/>
* [[English Language]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[English studies|English Language and Literature]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[English Literature]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Environmental Science]]<ref name="AQA"/>
* [[Environmental Technology]]<ref name="CCEA"/>
* [[Fashion]] and [[Textiles]]<ref name="AQA"/>
* [[Film Studies]]<ref name="OCR"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Food Technology]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="Edexcel"/>
* Food Preparation and Nutrition<ref name="Edexcel"/>
* [[French language|French]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Further Mathematics]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="CCEA"/>
* [[Geography]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Geology]]<ref name="OCR"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[German language|German]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Global Development]]<ref name="Edexcel"/>
* Global Perspectives and Research<ref name="CIE"/>
* [[Government]] and [[Politics]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Greek language|Greek]]<ref name="Edexcel"/>
* [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]<ref name="OCR"/>
* [[Health and Social Care]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Hindi language|Hindi]]<ref name="CIE"/>
* [[Hinduism]]<ref name="CIE"/>
* [[History]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[History of Art]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/>
* [[Home Economics]]<ref name="OCR"/><ref name="CCEA"/>
* [[Human Biology]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Humanities]]<ref name="OCR"/>
* [[Information and communications technology|IT]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Information Technology]]<ref name="CIE"/>
* [[International Relations]]<ref name="AQA"/>
* [[Irish language|Irish]]<ref name="CCEA"/>
* [[Islamic studies]]<ref name="CIE"/>
* [[Italian language|Italian]]<ref name="Edexcel"/>
* [[Japanese language|Japanese]]<ref name="Edexcel"/>
* [[Journalism]] in the Media and Communications Industry<ref name="CCEA"/>
* [[Latin]]<ref name="OCR"/>
* [[Law]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Leisure studies|Leisure Studies]]<ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/>
* Life and Health Sciences<ref name="CCEA"/>
* [[Marine Science]]<ref name="CIE"/>
* [[Mathematics]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Media Studies]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Modern Hebrew]]<ref name="AQA"/>
* [[Film studies|Moving Image Arts]]<ref name="CCEA"/>
* [[Music]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Music Technology]]<ref name="Edexcel"/>
* [[Nutrition]] and [[Food Science]]<ref name="CCEA"/>
*[[Punjabi language|Punjabi]]<ref name="AQA"/>
* [[Performance Studies]]<ref name="OCR"/>
* [[Performing Arts]]<ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/>
* [[Persian language|Persian]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="OCR"/>
* [[Philosophy]]<ref name="AQA"/>
* [[Photography]]
* [[Physical Education]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Physical Science]]<ref name="CIE"/>
* [[Physics]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Polish language|Polish]]<ref name="AQA"/>
* [[Politics]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="Edexcel"/>
* [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]]<ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/>
* [[Product Design]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/>
* Professional Business Services<ref name="CCEA"/>
* [[Psychology]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Pure Mathematics]]<ref name="AQA"/>
* [[Quantitative research|Quantitative Methods]]<ref name="OCR"/>
* [[Religious Studies]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* Science in Society<ref name="AQA"/>
* [[Russian language|Russian]]<ref name="Edexcel"/>
*[[Sinhala language|Sinhala]]
* [[Sociology]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Software development|Software Systems Development]]<ref name="CCEA"/>
* [[Spanish language|Spanish]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="CCEA"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Sports Science]]<ref name="CCEA"/>
* [[Statistics]]<ref name="AQA"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/>
* Systems and Control Technology<ref name="AQA"/>
* [[Telugu language|Telugu]]<ref name="CIE"/>
* [[Tamil language|Tamil]]<ref name="CIE"/>
* [[Technology]] and [[Design]]<ref name="CCEA"/>
* [[Critical thinking|Thinking Skills]]<ref name="CIE"/>
* [[Travel]] and [[Tourism]]<ref name="CIE"/><ref name="OCR"/><ref name="Edexcel"/><ref name="WJEC"/>
* [[Turkish language|Turkish]]<ref name="OCR"/>
* [[Urdu language|Urdu]]<ref name="CIE"/><ref name="Edexcel"/>
* [[Welsh language|Welsh]]<ref name="WJEC"/>
{{div col end}}

====A-level reforms in England====
Between 2015 and 2018 (first assessment Summer 2017), A-levels in England were reformed, transitioning from a modular to linear structure (initially across 13 subjects). This means all A-level exams are taken in one sitting as a set of terminal exams (three exams for the majority of subjects), and there is no coursework set for many subjects. For A-levels that retain a coursework element, the percentage of the final grade determined by coursework has been reduced. An example of this can be seen in [[Edexcel]]'s new English Literature A-level, reformed in 2015, which reduces the amount of coursework to 20% (from 40% in the old modular specification). A-levels are no longer separated into units, and students must resit all of their exams if they wish to resit the qualification. While these reforms were expected to be complete for first teaching in 2017, this was extended to 2018 to include the reforms of less common languages such as [[Modern Hebrew]] and [[Bengali language|Bengali]].

The AS-level is now a separate qualification and is not required for an A-level award, although it still encompasses the first year of the full A-level content. However, unlike AS-levels in the old modular courses, they are now worth only 40% as many UCAS points as a full A-level (from 50% in the modular courses), as content from the second year of A-level is considered more academically challenging than that of the first year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/get-the-facts-gcse-and-a-level-reform/get-the-facts-as-and-a-level-reform|title=Get the facts: AS and A level reform|website=GOV.UK|language=en|access-date=2019-02-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://university.which.co.uk/advice/a-level-choices/how-are-my-as-and-a-level-studies-structured|title=A-levels and AS-levels, explained – Which?|website=Which? University|language=en|access-date=2019-02-11}}</ref>

As these reforms took place in stages, many students took a combination of modular and linear courses before all reforms were complete, with AS-levels still being part of an A-level in older modular courses.

These reforms look to combat [[grade inflation]], where the proportion of students achieving the highest grades increases year upon year, causing the value of those grades to be eroded. The modular system has also been criticised for nurturing a 'resit culture',<ref name="thetimes.co.uk">{{cite web|date=19 August 2010|title=Culture of retakes pushing rise in A level grades|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/education/article/culture-of-retakes-pushing-rise-in-a-level-grades-7w9nft5frzr|access-date=2 May 2018|via=www.the times.co.uk}}</ref> while new linear courses give no opportunity to resit individual units.

Controversially, some A-level course subjects have been abolished since 2017 as part of these reforms. These include archaeology, anthropology, creative writing, critical thinking, general studies, and home economics. Many universities criticized the scrapping of exams taken at the end of AS-level, which used to be worth 50% of the overall A-level grade. This is because the universities used the grades achieved at AS-level (available to universities after a student applies during the second year of A-levels) as an indication of a student's ability and thus whether to give said student an offer.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/sep/08/university-admissions-as-levels-sixth-form-exams|title=Fears over unfair university admissions as AS-levels disappear|last=Ratcliffe|first=Rebecca|date=2015-09-08|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-02-11|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9822217/Michael-Goves-A-level-reforms-condemned-by-Cambridge.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9822217/Michael-Goves-A-level-reforms-condemned-by-Cambridge.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Michael Gove's A-level reforms condemned by Cambridge|last=Ross|first=Tim|date=2013-01-23|access-date=2019-02-11|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

Opposition to these reforms in Wales<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Why Wales has a head start in the future of post-16 education in the UK and internationally |url=https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/why-wales-has-a-head-start-in-the-future-of-post-16-education-in-the-uk-and-internationally |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=www.bera.ac.uk |language=en-GB}}</ref> and Northern Ireland has resulted in maintaining the modular structure of their qualification.

In September 2023, it was announced by [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]] [[Rishi Sunak]] that the A-level would be scrapped in England and merged with T-levels to form the [[Advanced British Standard]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Buchan |first=Lizzy |date=2023-10-04 |title=All about new Advanced British Standard as Rishi Sunak plans to scrap A-levels |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/advanced-british-standard-new-qualification-31103477 |access-date=2023-10-05 |newspaper=Daily Mirror}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-14 |title=The Advanced British Standard: Everything you need to know - The Education Hub |url=https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/12/14/the-advanced-british-standard-everything-you-need-to-know/ |access-date=2024-01-01 |website=educationhub.blog.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref> however this was cancelled by the Labour government after their victory in the [[2024 United Kingdom general election|2024 general election]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx02zdd92zdo | title=Winter fuel payments scrapped for millions of pensioners | date=29 July 2024 }}</ref>

===Zimbabwe===
The GCE Advanced Level qualification is offered by the [[Zimbabwe School Examinations Council|Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC)]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zimsec.co.zw/ABOUT.html|title=Zimbabwe School Examinations Council About|publisher=[[Zimbabwe School Examinations Council]]|access-date=2014-07-25|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802083950/http://zimsec.co.zw/ABOUT.html|archive-date=2 August 2014}}</ref> Before, this qualification was jointly offered by Cambridge International Education and the Council in Zimbabwe.

== Former usage ==

===Caribbean===
In 2002, there has been a move away from the GCE Advanced Level to the [[Caribbean Examinations Council|CXC]] CAPE examinations,<ref>[http://www.cxc.org/section.asp?Sec=2&SSec=1&Info=7 ''Caribbean Examinations Council Report''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221190536/http://cxc.org/section.asp?Sec=2&SSec=1&Info=7 |date=21 February 2009 }}. Reforming the Examination System. House of Commons, 26 March 2003. Retrieved 12 June 2006.</ref> making them a de facto university entrance examination. Some universities also require applicants to take separate entrance examinations. The [[International Baccalaureate]] and [[European Baccalaureate]] are also accepted.

==See also==
*[[Advanced British Standard]], a proposed replacement
*[[General Certificate of Secondary Education]] (GCSE) – an entry qualification
*[[GCE Ordinary Level]] (O-Level) – an entry qualification that has been phased out in the United Kingdom
* Further / special
** [[Scholarship level]] (S-level) – last offered in 2001
** [[Advanced Extension Award]] (AEA) – 2002–2009, 2015 mathematics
** [[Sixth Term Examination Paper]] (STEP) – used by the University of Cambridge and the University of Warwick for admissions to study mathematics at undergraduate level
* International A-levels
**[[Singapore-Cambridge GCE Advanced Level]] – harder examination in Singapore
**[[Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination]] (HKALE) – now defunct
**[[GCE Advanced Level in Sri Lanka]]
* Scotland
**[[Higher (Scottish)]] – Scottish university entrance qualification
**[[Advanced Higher (Scottish)]] – Scottish equivalent to A-level
*Canada
**[[Ontario Academic Credit]]
* Vocational
**[[BTEC Extended Diploma]] – the highest level of the BTEC structure and is taken by people aged 16 or above (equal to A-levels)
**[[T Level]] (level 3)
**[[NVQ]] (level 3)
**[[Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education]] (AVCE)
* Europe
**[[Abitur]] – similar qualification in Germany and Finland
**[[Eindexamen]] – similar qualification in the Netherlands
**[[Matura]] or [[Maturità]] – similar qualification in some European countries
* Baccalaureate
**[[Baccalauréat]] – similar qualification in France
**[[European Baccalaureate]] – examination used mainly in the [[European School]] system
**[[IB Diploma Programme]] – alternative examination found across the world
* International alternatives
**[[Advanced Placement Program]] –similar qualification in the United States
**[[Bagrut]] – similar qualification in Israel
**[[Leaving Certificate (Ireland)]]
**[[Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia]] (Malaysian Higher School Certificate) – better known as "STPM", an equivalent examination in Malaysia
**[[Matriculation Certificate (Malta)]]<!--Formerly linked to disambiguation page. Only this one is actually known by this name-->
**[[Senior Secondary Certificate of Education]] (Australia)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikibooks}}
<!-- for advice on what types of links belong here, please search for Wikipedia:External links   -->
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091227175302/http://www.qcda.gov.uk/3773.aspx?searchKey= Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency: A Level resources]
* [http://www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/uppersec/alevel University of Cambridge: International A & AS levels]
* ''[[The Guardian]]'' [http://education.guardian.co.uk/alevel/page/0,16367,1551646,00.html 2005 A Level results]
* [http://education.guardian.co.uk/alevel/page/0,16367,1551646,00.html 2005 A Level results]
* [http://gcecompilation.com/cie-timetable-2018/ CIE O level and A level Timetable 2018]
<!-- for advice on what types of links belong here, please search for Wikipedia:External links   -->

{{Education in the United Kingdom}}
{{Qualifications and Credit Framework}}
{{National Qualifications Framework}}
{{Admission tests|state=autocollapse}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gce Advanced Level}}
[[Category:Educational qualifications in England]]
[[Category:School examinations]]
[[Category:1951 introductions]]
[[Category:Secondary school qualifications]]
[[Category:Secondary education in England]]
[[Category:Secondary education in Wales]]
[[Category:Secondary education in Northern Ireland]]
[[Category:Educational qualifications in Wales]]
[[Category:Educational qualifications in Northern Ireland]]