Top 98 A-level schools in England UK

After completing the last, 11th year of compulsory education, students can decide whether they want to continue their studies or go to work. Those who decide in the future to study at a university and successfully complete the 11th grade move on to the so-called Sixth Form — this is a special stage, level consisting of the 12th and 13th grades. Here students prepare for A/AS Levels exams — their successful completion opens the way to universities in England and around the world.

In the 12th grade, students can choose 3 or 4 subjects, in the 13th grade – 3 subjects. After completing the 13th grade, students receive a certificate of secondary education of a higher level – GCE A/AS Level (General Certificate of Education Advanced Level/Advanced Subsidiary Level).

Subjects are graded from A* /A-star/, followed by A, B, C, D, E. Students will receive exam results in mid-August. The AS level is studied in the first year (12th year), A2 is studied in the second year (13th year), and together these two years of study are called A Levels.

A-level Program is ideal for students who have a clear idea of what they want to study at university. You will study 3-4 subjects of your choice, dedicating at least 4-6 hours per week to each. You can choose from art and design, biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, geography, government and politics, history, ancient history, mathematics, physics, statistics, accounting, psychology, English literature, history of art, sociology, photography, drawing, critical thinking, design and technology, film studies, graphics, music, philosophy, textiles (art and design), theatre, 3D design or foreign languages (German, Spanish, French, Russian, Italian, Latin, Chinese). The choice of subjects is very large, specific depends on your school.

For students with a very good level of English and excellent academic results, there is an opportunity to study on this program acceleratedly, in 5 or 3 trimesters (one and a half years).

The total schedule includes 26-30 lessons per week, including lessons of English and independent study. Work in class and passing exams for all modules that make up the subject are assessed.

Schools with A-Level in England offer a detailed study of selected subjects with practical application, referencing events currently happening in the real world. Students will learn to analyze information, think independently and critically, write informative and interesting analytical essays.

Small class sizes (usually less than 10 people) allow teachers to practice an individual approach to each student. Many teachers have doctoral degrees and are experts in their field. Students are also provided with career counseling and assistance with university admission.

The academic year is divided into trimesters:

• 1st trimester — autumn, from September to December,
• 2nd trimester — spring, from January to March,
• 3rd trimester — summer, from April to July.

Autumn and spring trimesters are followed by two-week holidays. There are also weekly holidays in the middle of each trimester. The theoretical part ends in May, and then there is an examination period that lasts until July. It only depends on the student how quickly he passes each exam.

Classes start at 9:00 am and end around 3:30 pm; students have a 15-minute break in the morning and a one-hour break during lunch.

The cost of studying the A-Level program in the UK can vary significantly depending on the specific school, its prestige, location, services provided and other factors. Typically, annual school fees for studying the A-Level program in independent schools range from several thousand to tens of thousands of pounds sterling.

It is important to note that in addition to the basic price, additional fees may be charged for various services and expenses: accommodation in a boarding house, meals, textbooks, excursions, sports programs and other extracurricular activities. All this is included in the A-Level cost in England, so you need to carefully calculate your budget.

The requirements for admission to A-Level schools in the UK for foreign students may vary depending on the school. However, there are also common points that you definitely need to be prepared for:

• Applicants must provide certificates of previous education and grades confirming successful completion of previous levels of education,
• Results of standardized tests — IELTS or TOEFL — may be required to assess English proficiency (usually B1 or higher is required),
• In some cases, institutions may conduct interviews with potential students to assess their motivation, interests and academic abilities,
• It is necessary to provide letters of recommendation from teachers or the principal of the previous school,
• You need to confirm your financial ability to pay for tuition and accommodation in the UK,
• As a completion — visa, copy of passport, birth certificate, medical insurance.