A Level Guide 2021

How do I choose my A levels?

For those thinking about doing A levels, there are a few things you need to think about carefully before deciding on your specific subjects. These include:

1. What do you enjoy studying?
2. What are you good at?
3. What subjects will help you achieve what you want to do in the future?
4. If you want to pursue a career in science, do you need to take maths, as well as a science subject?
5. If you have a specific career in mind, e.g. vet or architect, check to see if you need to take any particular subjects?
6. Check the university entry requirements if you have a particular degree subject in mind
7. If you have no idea what you want to do later on, make sure you choose a combination of subjects that will keep your preferred options open
8. Some A level subjects are accepted by nearly all universities. These are sometimes known as ‘facilitating‘ subjects such as maths, English, physics, biology, chemistry, history, geography or a foreign language.
9. If you're not sure what subjects are required for a degree, email the universities directly and ask for their advice.
10. Look at the course content for each A level thoroughly, and don't assume it will be the same as at GCSE level, as it could be very different.

For more help and advice, please see our Choosing A Levels guide.

When is A level results day?

This year, A level results are out on Thursday 13 August 2020.

In Scotland, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) publishes its examination results online on Tuesday 4 August 2020 - the same day your certificate arrives by post.

For applications to go to university in 2021, the key date for your diary is Thursday 12 August 2021.

How should I revise for my A levels?

To revise successfully for your A levels, we recommend:

1. Start early and give yourself plenty of time to prepare
2. Write a timetable and organise your study sessions efficiently
3. Understand the exam format and types of question you will have to answer
4. Take regular breaks throughout the day
5. Eat healthily, drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep
6. Do lots of practice papers
7. Avoid any distractions by finding a quiet place to study and turning off your mobile phone and/or computer.

When can I apply for Clearing in 2020?

Clearing starts on A Level results day, which is Thursday 13 August 2020. Scottish students receive their results earlier, so they can start on 4th August 2020 (for Scottish universities only).

If you're taking the International Baccalaureate, Clearing opens on Monday 6 July 2020.

For those doing a BTEC or other vocational qualfication, then Clearing opens when you get your results in either July or August.

Clearing in 2020 will remain open until 20th October.

Should I retake my A levels?

Do you already have a career path in mind? If this involves getting a specific university degree, then we recommend you apply to retake your exams and get the grades you need to get accepted.

If you’re not quite sure what course you want to do but are sure you want to on to university straight away, you can apply for available courses through Clearing.