Can You Change A Levels? How to Switch Subjects

Starting your A Levels is a big step. Choosing what to study can feel overwhelming. Especially as those choices can shape your future. So what happens if you realise one of your chosen subjects isn’t right for you?

Maybe the subject feels harder than you expected. Maybe you just don’t enjoy it. Or perhaps you’ve changed your mind about what you want to do at university. 

The good news is that, in a lot of cases, you can change your A Levels. Many students switch subjects in Year 12. Schools are usually supportive if you act fast and have a clear plan. 

This guide explains how the process works, when it might be too late, and the steps you should take to make the switch successful.

Is It Possible to Change Your A Levels?

Yes, it is possible. Lots of schools and colleges allow students to change A Level subjects. Teachers understand that it’s not always easy to get your choices right the first time. But it’s important to note that this is usually only possible in the first few weeks of Year 12. 

The switch depends on: 

• Timetable constraints: The new subject has to fit within your existing schedule. If it clashes with your other lessons, it might not be possible.
  

• Class capacity: Some subjects have limited places. If the class is already full, you might need to choose another (related) topic.
  

• Catch-up workload: Teachers will want to check if you can realistically cover the lessons you’ve missed. 

If you’re considering an A Level switch, talk to your sixth form or collage as soon as you can. The earlier you raise your concerns, the more options you’ll have.

Tip: Not sure what A Level topics are out there? Our helpful guide to A Level subject choices can give you a clear overview and help you decide which options might suit you best.

Why Students Consider Changing A Levels

You’re not alone if you’re second-guessing your subject choices. Many students reconsider once they’ve started their A Levels. Common reasons include:

• Disliking the subject: A topic that sounded interesting in Year 11 might not meet students’ expectations.
  

• Finding the subject too difficult: The jump from GCSE can be steep. For example, A Level Maths requires strong algebra skills that some students find overwhelming.
  

• Changing career or university plans: Maybe you thought you wanted to study Medicine, but now you prefer Law. This means your A Level choices are no longer right for your uni application.
  

• Clash between subjects: Some combinations don’t work well together. For example, taking three essay-based subjects might feel too demanding.

It’s important to remember that reconsidering your options doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re reflecting carefully on your future, which is the action of a mature student. 

When Is It Too Late to Change A Levels?

Most schools recommend making changes within the first 4–6 weeks of Year 12. This is because:

• Lessons move quickly, and missing early content can make catching up difficult.

• Coursework and practical assessments may start early in some subjects.

• Teachers need time to adjust predicted grades, which are used in UCAS applications. (opens in a new tab)

That said, late changes aren’t impossible. If you have a strong reason, and you’re willing to work hard, schools can sometimes make exceptions. 

For example, a student who realises halfway through the year that A Level Physics isn’t right for them may still be allowed to switch to Psychology, but only if they commit to catching up with extra study sessions. 

The key message? Don’t leave it too long. The sooner you act, the easier the process will be.

Steps to Take If You Want to Change A Level Subjects

Feeling stuck in the wrong subject can be unsettling, but you don’t need to figure it out alone. Schools are used to students switching A Levels. That’s why there’s often a clear process in place. 

If you’re unhappy with one of your A Levels and want to switch, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Reflect on your reasons : Write down why you want to switch. Is it lack of interest, difficulty, or a change in your goals? This will help you explain the decision to your teachers.
   

2. Research your options: Look at the alternative subjects available in your school. Think about how they fit with your other choices and long-term plans.
   

3. Talk to your subject teachers: Discuss your concerns with your current teacher. They can reassure you, suggest support, or agree that a change is the best option.
   

4. Speak to your tutor or head of sixth form: They’ll guide you through the official process and check if a switch is possible.
   

5. Check the timetable: Make sure the new subject doesn’t clash with your existing ones.
   

6. Understand the workload: Ask what content you’ve missed and how you can catch up. Our A Level recourses can be a big help here.
   

7. Make it official: Once it’s all approved, confirm the change and commit to your new subject.

How to Choose the Right Subject to Switch Into

Switching subjects isn’t just about leaving behind something you don’t enjoy – it’s also about making a smarter choice for your future. Here are some tips if you're looking to switch.

• Think about your goals: If you’re aiming for university, check the subject requirements for your chosen course. For example, Medicine requires A Level Chemistry.
  

• Play to your strengths: If you enjoy essay writing, subjects like English Literature or History might suit you better. If you prefer problem-solving, Maths or the Sciences could be a stronger fit.
  

• Be realistic about catch-up: If you join a new subject after three weeks, can you handle the extra work? Some subjects are easier to catch up on than others.
  

• Ask for advice: Speak to teachers, older students, or use resources like our A Level subject guides to understand what topics each A Level covers. 

Choosing the right subject the second time round can make your A Level journey far more enjoyable. Plus, it will set you up for success at university, so take the time to make a decision that’s right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change A Levels after a month?

Yes, in many cases you can. Most schools will allow subject changes within the first few weeks of Year 12. But the longer you wait, the more catching up you’ll need to do. If you’re thinking about switching A Levels, speak to your teachers quickly so they can help you make a realistic plan to cover missed work.

Can I change all of my A Levels?

It’s unusual, but it could be possible at the very start of Year 12 if you realise none of your subjects are right. However, schools generally advise against changing all of them because it can put you under huge pressure to catch up. Most students who switch tend to change just one or two subjects.

Will changing A Levels affect university applications?

If you make the change very early in Year 12, it usually won’t have any impact on your application. Universities care most about the final subjects you sit and whether they meet the entry requirements. However, switching later on could affect your predicted grades or mean you don’t have the right subjects for your chosen course. So, always double-check your course requirements before making the move.

What if my school won’t let me switch?

If your school says no, don’t panic. You still have options. Talk to your parents or carers so they can support you in discussions with your school. You might also explore alternatives, such as extra tutoring, to make your current subject more manageable. Or, in some cases, you could take an AS-Level alongside your other subjects

Final Thoughts

Switching A Levels can feel like a huge step, but trust us, loads of students end up changing their subjects once they’ve started. Realising something isn’t right isn’t a failure; it’s you taking control of your future.

The key is to move quickly, talk it through with your teachers, and pick a subject that feels like a better fit for you. Don’t force yourself to stick with a subject that isn’t the right fit. You deserve to study subjects you enjoy and can succeed in. With the right help and resources, you can make the swap and set yourself up for a future you’re excited about.

Switching A Levels and looking to catch up? Don’t worry. You’re not starting from scratch. With our revision notes, mock exams, and past papers, you can quickly get up to speed. Whether it’s mastering tricky concepts or practising exam-style questions, we’ve got everything you need to help you thrive in your new A Level. 

Sources: 

Predicted grades – what you need to know for entry this year | UCAS (opens in a new tab)

Applying | UCAS (opens in a new tab)