How Many A Levels Can You Take?

You've finally settled on your favourite subjects. Then there’s a sudden sense of worry. Is three A Levels enough? Should you squeeze in a fourth to impress universities? Could five make you stand out, or just burn you out?

Take too many and you risk spreading yourself thin and watching your grades slip. Take too few of the right subjects and you might miss the entry requirements for the course you want. 

This guide clears up the confusion. We'll cover how many A Levels you can take, how many you should take, and what universities actually look for. 

Key Takeaways

• Most students take three A Levels - that's the standard requirement for almost every UK university.

• You can usually take up to four or five, but your school or college sets the limit, not the exam system.

• Quality beats quantity. Three strong grades (like AAA) generally serve you better than four or five weaker ones.

How Many A Levels Can You Take?

Most students take three A Levels. In summer 2025, two-thirds of 18-year-olds in England (66.3%) took exactly three, according to (opens in a new tab)Ofqual's results data (opens in a new tab).

There's no legal limit on the number of A Levels you can take. In practice, the cap is set by your school or sixth form, and that's usually four or five at most.

Very few students go beyond three. Here's how 18-year-olds in England split in 2025:

Data for this table is taken from: (opens in a new tab)Ofqual, Level 3 and A level results 2025 (opens in a new tab)

As you can see, taking five A Levels is rare. Only 195 students managed it in 2025, and it's an intense workload that very few choose to take on.

How Many A Levels Should You Take?

The right number depends on your ability, your goals, and what else you've got going on. Three is the safe, standard choice. If you're thinking about a fourth (or even a fifth), weigh up these four things first.

• Entry requirements. Research the prerequisites for your dream course or career. Most university courses ask for three A Levels - only a small number require four.

• Time and workload. A Levels demand a lot of independent study outside lessons. Be honest about whether you can add another subject without your other grades, hobbies, or wellbeing taking a hit.

• Strengths and interests. You'll perform best in subjects you enjoy and find easier. Pick what you're good at rather than what looks impressive.

• Guidance. Your teachers know your abilities and goals. They can give you advice tailored to your situation, so use them.

If you're a capable, motivated student, a fourth A Level will sit comfortably within your reach and can help you stand out. If you're already stretched, it may do more harm than good.

Can you take four A Levels?

Yes. 14,545 eighteen-year-olds took four in 2025. It's worth considering if you're aiming for a competitive course or want to keep your options open.

Some elite universities even make offers based on four A Levels, such as A*AAA. But many students find it easier to take three and meet an offer of A*AA - fewer subjects means a more manageable workload.

Can you take five A Levels?

You can, but it's incredibly demanding. Juggling five subjects can be mentally and emotionally draining, and the pressure can affect both your grades and your wellbeing.

Before committing, ask yourself honestly whether you can manage it without compromising your results or your health. For the vast majority of students, the answer is no.

Quality Matters More Than Quantity

Here's the golden rule: it's better to do brilliantly in fewer subjects than to struggle across more.

Universities care far more about strong grades than a long list of subjects. AAA in three A Levels will always serve you better than ABBC in four. So choose a number you can comfortably handle while still achieving the grades you need.

How Many A Levels Equal a Level 3 Diploma?

A Levels and Level 3 Diplomas sit at the same level, so you can study them alongside each other. BTECs are a common example, and the equivalency depends on the size of the qualification.

A BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma with triple Distinction* is worth 144 UCAS points — the same as three A grades at A Level.

To check how a specific Level 3 Diploma is valued, ask the school or college offering it. They can confirm the exact equivalency and how it compares to A Levels.

How Many A Levels Do You Need for University?

Most UK universities expect three A Levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification.

A few competitive courses at elite universities may ask for four, so always check. If you're unsure whether to add a fourth, think about the offers you're likely to receive. It can be easier to take three and meet an A*AA offer than to take four and aim for A*AAA.

Entry requirements vary widely. More competitive fields, such as medicine or law, often have stricter grade and subject requirements. Many medicine courses, for example, require at least one science A Level like Biology or Chemistry.

Universities also weigh up other factors, including your: 

• Personal statement

• Admissions tests

• Interviews

• Extracurricular activities

Always research the specific requirements for your chosen courses.

Can an EPQ Boost Your Application?

Yes, and it's a smart alternative to a fourth A Level. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an independent research project worth up to 28 UCAS points, the equivalent of half an A Level.

An A* in the EPQ is worth 28 points, an A is worth 24, and so on. It also builds the critical thinking, research, and independent study skills universities value. 

Some will give you a reduced offer based on it - for example, AAB instead of AAA if you achieve an A in your EPQ.

How Many A Levels Do You Need for Oxford or Cambridge?

The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge don't set a fixed number, but most successful applicants take at least three A Levels.

A fourth can be helpful - though not essential - particularly for STEM courses where the extra subject is Further Maths. Both universities focus on specific grades in specific subjects rather than UCAS points for many courses.

Meeting the minimum grades doesn't guarantee a place. Admissions at both are highly competitive and consider personal statements, admissions tests, interviews, and predicted grades. They're looking for intellectual curiosity and a real passion for your subject.

Explore our Oxford and Cambridge admission statistics guides for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the maximum number of A Levels you can take? 

There's no legal maximum, but schools and colleges usually cap it at four or five. Taking five is rare and very demanding.

Is it better to take three or four A Levels? 

For most students, three is the better choice. It lets you focus on getting top grades, which matters more to universities than the number of subjects. Take four only if you're confident you can keep all your grades high.

Is taking five A Levels worth it? 

For the vast majority of students, no. The extra workload rarely improves your university chances and can pull your grades down. An EPQ is usually a better way to add value.

Smash Your A Levels With Save My Exams

So, how many A Levels can you take? You can take up to four or five, but three is the sweet spot for most students, and the number almost every university asks for. 

Once you've settled on your subjects, the real work begins. That's where Save My Exams comes in. 

Our revision notes, exam-style questions, and flashcards are written by experienced teachers and examiners, so you're learning exactly what you need to hit the grades your dream course requires. 

Explore our A Level revision resources and give yourself the best shot at the results you're aiming for.

References

Ofqual - Infographics: Level 3 and A level results 2025 (accessible version) (opens in a new tab)