How are A-Level grades determined?

A-Level grades (A*, A, B, C, D, E, U) are set by Ofqual-regulated exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC). Grade boundaries are set each year based on the difficulty of that year's papers and statistical standardisation.

Do universities look at A-Level subjects or just grades?

Both. Most competitive courses have required subjects (e.g., Mathematics A* for Cambridge Engineering). Facilitating subjects (Maths, Sciences, History, Languages) are preferred for competitive Oxbridge and Russell Group applications.

What A-Level grades are needed for Oxford and Cambridge?

Most Oxford and Cambridge courses require A*A*A or A*AA at A-Level. In practice, the majority of admitted students hold 3–4 A* grades. Admissions tests (UCAT, BMAT, TSA, ELAT, MAT etc.) are equally important.

Can I resit A-Levels?

Yes. You can resit individual modules (where available) or whole exams in the following year's examination series. Many students resit in January (where available) or the following June series.

A-Level 2026: Subject Choice, Grade Boundaries & University Entry Guide

A-Levels remain the gold standard for UK university entry. Understand how grades are calculated, which subjects top universities favour, and how 1-on-1 tutoring raises your predicted grades.

The A-Level System

A-Levels (Advanced Level qualifications) are the primary route to UK university entry, typically studied over two years (Year 12–13) by students aged 16–18. Most students take 3 subjects; Oxbridge applicants often take 4. Grades are awarded A*–U.

Facilitating Subjects: What Universities Actually Want

The Russell Group's "Informed Choices" guide identifies facilitating subjects that keep the widest range of university options open:

Mathematics and Further Mathematics
Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
History and Geography
Modern and Classical Languages
English Literature

Subjects like Media Studies, Business Studies, and PE are not penalised but may not satisfy entry requirements for competitive courses.

Grade Boundaries and Exam Techniques

Grade boundaries vary each year. In typical years, an A* in Maths requires 90%+; an A requires ~80%. For essay subjects, boundaries are softer — an A might start at 65–70%.

Practise past papers under timed conditions — the mark scheme language is the most important revision tool
For essay subjects: answer the question directly in the first paragraph, not after three sentences of context
For sciences: show your working in calculations — method marks are available even for wrong final answers
For Maths: if stuck, attempt the last part of a long question first — it is often worth 3–5 marks and uses different skills

UCAS Predicted Grades and Offers

Universities base conditional offers on predicted grades. A student predicted A*AA for Medicine will receive conditional offers requiring exactly those grades. Working with a subject tutor significantly increases both predicted and achieved grades.

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A-Level 2026: Subject Choice, Grade Boundaries & University Entry Guide

The A-Level System

Facilitating Subjects: What Universities Actually Want

Grade Boundaries and Exam Techniques

UCAS Predicted Grades and Offers

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