A levels

Flexible  choices of A level syllabuses can be made according either to students’ areas of interest or to teachers' areas of academic expertise, and for subjects such as English and History students are able to select the texts or periods they would like to study. This allows our students to embark on lively and engaging programmes of study, and gives them an opportunity to make choices about their courses in the same way as they would at university.

A level students are taught three hours per subject per week if studying one-to-one, and four to five hours per subject if studying in a small group. It is also possible to complete A levels intensively over one or one and a half years, and we increase the number of taught hours and fees proportionately to arrange this.

A levels are normally studied in Years 12 and 13. Under the current reforms final A level exams will be taken at the end of the second year. However, in the first year students are also able to sit separate AS (Advanced Subsidiary) exams which cover the work completed in the first year.

Almost all British universities require three subjects at A level and some require a fourth subject for AS level. For very competitive universities or very able students, it is also possible take four full A levels. In the light of the current reforms to A levels, the Principal will offer each student individual advice and guidance on the best combination of A level and AS choices according to his or her future university goals.