A Parent's Guide to A Levels

How the course works

Students take a few subjects in depth, sit AS and A2 examinations in the board's series and receive results subject by subject. Ask the school for the specification code of each subject and for the exam series your child is entered for.

Keep university requirements in view

Universities set entry requirements by course. Check them together early, including any admissions tests or deadlines. If your child plans to apply abroad, start the research well before the application period.

Support, do not take over

Encourage a regular study routine and enough rest. Ask your child to explain what they are learning; if they cannot yet, that shows where help is needed.

When a tutor helps

A tutor is useful when a specific topic or paper type keeps losing marks. Describe the board, subject and gap in a request on our A Levels tutors page, and we will say whether we have a suitable tutor.

Parent's guide to A Levels: Where to Go Next

If you want help with a subject, see A Levels tutors. For more guides, see A Levels resources, and for exam papers, our past-paper library.

For the rules, syllabuses and dates themselves, use the official websites: Cambridge International Education, Pearson Edexcel, AQA and OCR. Boards change details from time to time, so check them before you plan.

Frequently Asked Questions