A-Level abroad
- Schools for A-level – how the studying process is organized?
- The best schools and colleges with A –level – where to go studying?
- How to apply to schools with A-level for the foreign students?
- Tuition fee for the international students on A-level course
- A-level schools rankings effective studying for the foreign students
- Literature and references
This content was developed and approved with active participation of Mary Bousted.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/news/international-baccalaureate-versus-a-levels
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-level.
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"5th Highest Performing School by A Level results in 2023" – The Telegraph.United KingdomYorkCurrently watching: 6from 17456.00 £ / termProgram namedateAgeFeesA-Level programLast booking 3 weeks agoAll year round16-18
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In 2023 100% of students achieved A*– B grades at A-levelUnited KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 8from 37600.00 £ / year
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Future graduates of 2024 have already received 5 offers from Oxford and 11 from CambridgeUnited KingdomCoventryCurrently watching: 9from 15999.00 £ / termProgram namedateAgeFeesA-Level programLast booking 4 weeks agoAll year round16-18
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In 2022 - 66% of A Level students achieved A* - AUnited KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 8from 15100.00 £ / termProgram namedateAgeFeesA-Level programLast booking 5 weeks agoAll year round16+
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In 2023 - 90% of A Level scores made up A- A*United KingdomOxfordCurrently watching: 6from 48180.00 £ / year
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Top school in the UK at A Level during the past eleven yearsUnited KingdomCardiffCurrently watching: 9from 46900.00 £ / year
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School is in top 3 best bilingual boarding schools in French speaking part of SwitzerlandSwitzerlandLausanneCurrently watching: 7from 86000.00 CHF / year
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In 2023 – 37.5% of A-level students achieved A* - A.United KingdomLondonCurrently watching: 10from 12300.00 £ / term
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55% of A Level students achieved A*- A results among top UK schools in 2023United KingdomCambridgeCurrently watching: 8from 23815.00 £ / 6 months
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75% of our A-Level students achieved A*-A in 2022United KingdomCanterburyCurrently watching: 7from 48450.00 £ / year
A-Level is considered the best program taught in high schools in the UK. Its main task is to effectively and efficiently prepare students for admission to selected English—speaking universities. The duration of the course is 2 years, it is the final stage of school education for children aged 16-18. Many private and international schools offer students a shortened version of the program, for 1 year: it accepts students who speak English at an advanced level and with high academic performance.
Studying under the A-Level program in Europe, students independently choose disciplines: a distinctive feature of the course is early career guidance. Students need to decide on their future profession in advance, at least 2-3 years before entering the desired university.
A-level is a British educational program, designed for high school students. The aim of the program is the effective preparation of graduates for successful enrolment on Bachelor programs of the foreign universities without additional courses. On A-level program, each student studies three subjects. All lessons are held in English.
Alternative destinations
Schools for A-level – how the studying process is organized?
The studying lasts for two years. There are not compulsory disciplines for studying. The foreign students choose 3 subjects, which are relevant to a future specialty to which he plans to enrol. A-level students take exams at the end of each academic year, receiving grades from U (unsatisfactory) to A (excellent) or even A* (5+). 70% of graduates of British program pass exams for, A and A*.
A-Level offers from 20-45 subjects to study, the number depends on the type of school — public, private or international. In the first year, the students choose from 3-5 disciplines necessary for specialization. In the second year, no more than 3 are left and studied in-depth, according to which the final test will take place. The current directions of studying to choose from are approximately the following:
- Mathematics
- Information technology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- History
- Statistics
- Sociology
- Biology
- Design
- Foreign languages.
Students who study at the A-Level program abroad and have not yet decided which faculty they will enter, usually choose the main academic subjects — or those in which they have the highest results.
20-25 hours per week are allocated for studying subjects: 16 hours for fundamental disciplines and 8 hours for improving the level of English. The A-Level course consists of two main stages.
- The first year of study is AS. At the end, students receive an AS-Level certificate
- The second year of study is Advanced Level. Graduates receive an A2-Level certificate.
The certificate A-level is accepted by the best universities in Europe, the USA, Canada, Asia and Australia. The foreign students have all opportunities to enrol in 1000 universities, including the prestigious universities from Russell Group and Ivy League. The international students can enter Oxford and Cambridge only after A-level — these universities do not take into account other preparatory programs.
The best schools and colleges with A –level – where to go studying?
The A-Level course in Europe is part of the compulsory curriculum in high schools in Britain and a stage of preparation for admission to universities in the country. This program is suitable for the foreign students who plan to study abroad.
The international students can enrol in a private school or study at an international educational centre. The studying consists of lessons and independent research: students learn to search and analyze information, to develop critical thinking, to read a large amount of additional literature, to develop self-organization and leadership qualities.
The foreign students can get studying not only in the UK, but also in international schools in Switzerland, Austria, Spain.
The diploma of completion of the course is accepted primarily by the universities of such countries as:
- Germany
- Irish
- Australia
- Spain
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Netherlands
- USA
- Thailand
- Vietnam.

What do parents consider first when looking for a school in the UK?
Think about which school is perfect for your child. Different schools offer different specialties – someone is strong in art, drama, sports, certain subjects. There are selective schools, and more loyal ones, which are ready to develop any strong side of each child. If parents don't know much about the UK education system, you can focus on the league table and the results of the GCSE and A-level exams. If you are already more "savvy", consider the location and size of the school, the number of students, the availability of an EAL course, compliance with your personal academic requirements, additional activities.
How to apply to schools with A-level for the foreign students?
A-Level program is offered in schools and colleges in many countries. The following requirements are necessary for compliance in case of enrolment:
- Age 16-18 years
- Application in English
- Motivation letter
- Interview in English
- Test in mathematics and other specialized subjects
- Language certificate
- Certificate of school education
- An extract from the report card with grades.
In the UK, documents are submitted directly to the selected school. It should also be borne in mind that each educational institution has its own criteria and requirements for admission.
Tuition fee for the international students on A-level course
The cost of studying in schools and colleges in Britain starts from £ 12,500,000 per year and can reach up to £ 90,000 /year — it depends on the ranking, prestige, location of the educational institution.
Studying in the USA will be cheaper, the cost starts from $ 7000 / year. In Switzerland — from 86 000CHF per year, in Spain — from 28 000 per year.
A-level schools rankings effective studying for the foreign students
- Cardiff Sixth Form College
- National Mathematics and Science College
- Abbey College Cambridge
- d'Overbroeck's College
- MPW London
- North Broward Preparatory School
- The Storm King School New York
- Phillips Academy Andover.
What is an A-Level program?
The A-Level program is a British high school education system that gives students the opportunity to study several subjects in depth in preparation for university.
What subjects can I study in the A-Level program?
In the A-Level program, students choose 3-4 subjects for advanced study. This can be math, physics, chemistry, biology, literature, foreign languages, and others.
How are students in the A-Level program evaluated?
Students are assessed by examinations at the end of the program. Each course concludes with an exam that contributes to the final grade.
What are the advantages of the A-Level program for university admission?
The A-Level program prepares students for university life by developing analytical and critical skills. High A-Level results can increase your chances of admission to prestigious universities.
Can I choose different subjects in the A-Level program?
Yes, students have the freedom to choose subjects in the A-Level program, allowing them to create a combination that suits their interests and future plans.
What skills does the A-Level program develop?
The A-Level program develops analytical, critical, and research skills, as well as the ability to work independently and analyze in depth.
What are the differences between AS-Level and full A-Level?
AS Level is half of a full A-Level and involves studying for one year. It can be used as a stand-alone qualification or as part of a full A-Level.
How do I prepare for exams in the A-Level program?
Effective preparation includes regular study of the material, solving practice assignments and mock exams, as well as consulting with instructors and utilizing additional resources.
Is it true that the A-Level program prepares only for admission to British universities?
No, this is incorrect. A-Level prepares students not only for UK universities, but also for universities and educational institutions around the world. Its academic rigor and in-depth subject study make it attractive to many international institutions, regardless of their location.
Which country is the first choice for A-Level study?
First of all, many students choose the UK to study in the A-Level program. After all, it is in the UK that this program was developed and is widely used.
Learning programs-summary information
Name | Meaning | Equivalent | Min. age | Duration, years |
Next stage | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GCSE | General certificate of secondary education | secondary education (non-accomplished) | 14 | 1–2 | A-Levels | 15,000 USD+ |
A-Levels | Advanced level | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
BTEC | Business and Technology Education Board | secondary special education | 14 | 2–3 | University/ work | 15,000 USD+ |
Oxbridge Preparation | Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge | secondary education (accomplished) | 17 | 1 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
International Baccalaureate | International baccalaureate | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 18,000 USD+ |
Foundation/ Pathway Year | Preparatory year | admission to the 1st year of university | 17 | 1 | University | 14,000 USD+ |
NCUK | The Northern consortium | 2 year university | 17,5 | 1 | 2 year University of NCUK | 13,000 USD+ |
Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) | Specialized training | - | 14 | optional | optional | 4,000 USD+ |
Academic English | Academic English | Language school | 8 + | 6–12 months | School or University | 8,000 USD+ |
Advantages and disadvantages of English schools
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
The opportunity to enter the best universities in England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, the world | Expensive |
High quality of education and academic standards | Strong workload |
Perfect English after graduation | The need to change the social environment; it takes time to adapt |
Useful contacts | The difficulty of choosing the most suitable school for the child, requires a qualified specialist |
Top 21 boarding colleges in England 2025
1 | Cardiff Sixth Form College |
2 | National Mathematics and Science College |
3 | Abbey College Cambridge |
4 | d'Overbroeck's College |
5 | MPW London |
6 | CATS Cambridge |
7 | Kensington Park |
8 | DLD London |
9 | King's College St Michael’s |
10 | Bellerbys Cambridge |
11 | Chelsea Independent College |
12 | MPW Cambridge |
13 | Bellerbys Brighton |
14 | CATS London |
15 | St Clare's Oxford |
16 | Bishopstrow College |
17 | CATS Canterbury |
18 | Bellerbys London |
19 | Ealing Independent College |
20 | Cambridge Tutors College |
21 | Abbey Manchester |