How Many GCSEs Do You Need for A Levels?

Reviewed by: Liam Taft

Published

3 August 2025

Contents

If you’re planning to take A Levels, it helps to know exactly what GCSEs you’ll need, and what schools are really looking for.

Most students will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths, to start A Levels. But the exact number can vary depending on the school and the subjects you want to study.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how many GCSEs you need for A Levels, what grades to aim for, and how subject-specific requirements might affect your choices. You’ll also find real examples from colleges and sixth forms, and advice on what to do if you don’t quite meet the criteria.

Let’s break it down.

Why GCSE Requirements Matter

A Level courses are a clear step up from GCSEs. They're designed to prepare you for university or your career, which means the content can be more demanding than GCSE level. This isn’t to catch you out, but to help set you up for success.

That’s why schools, sixth forms and colleges set entry requirements. Not to make life harder, but to make sure you’re prepared for what comes next. They want you to start strong, not spend the year playing catch-up.

Your GCSE results don’t guarantee how you’ll do at A Level, but they’re a strong indicator. Ofqual research (opens in a new tab) shows that students who perform well in their GCSEs are more likely to succeed at A Level too, which is why schools use them to set entry requirements. It’s not a perfect system, but it helps ensure you’re stepping into subjects you’re ready to handle.

Tom Arrand, head of Cardiff Sixth Form College (opens in a new tab), supports this view, explaining:

“Universities look more and more to GCSEs as a strong benchmark of an all‑round education and evidence of intellectual acumen.”

A Level requirements vary widely depending on where you apply. Some institutions are flexible and focus on your potential. Others, especially those with competitive courses, are more selective.

The key is to know what your chosen school expects so you can aim with clarity and avoid last-minute surprises.

How Many GCSEs Do You Typically Need for A Levels?

Most sixth forms and colleges ask for at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above. This is often the minimum needed to take three A Levels, which is the standard number of subjects most students choose.

English and Maths are usually compulsory passes. If you don’t get at least a grade 4 in these, you’ll often be required to resit them, either before starting your A Levels or alongside them.

That said, some schools go further. More competitive colleges or sixth forms might ask for six or seven GCSEs, often with higher grades, especially if you're applying for academically demanding subjects.

Here are a few examples to show how much entry requirements can vary:

Leeds Sixth Form College (opens in a new tab): Five GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English and Maths
Newcastle Sixth Form College (opens in a new tab): Six GCSEs at grades 9–4, with English or Maths at grade 5 or higher
University of Birmingham School (opens in a new tab): Five GCSEs at grade 6+, with at least grade 5 in English and Maths
UCL Academy Sixth Form (opens in a new tab): Five GCSEs at an average grade of 5.5, including English and Maths, and a grade 6 in the specific GCSE subject you wish to study at A Level.

While five passes is the most common starting point, it’s not a guarantee. Always check the specific entry criteria for the schools or colleges you’re applying to, and aim higher if you’re targeting selective institutions.

Subject-Specific GCSE Requirements for A Levels

Meeting the general GCSE minimum is a great starting point, but for some A Levels, schools also look at your grades in specific subjects. That’s because certain courses build directly on GCSE content, and they want to make sure you’ll feel confident from day one.

Let’s look at what schools are likely to ask for (and how you can be ready):

Science A Levels

Science A Levels (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) go further into practical skills and numerical analysis, so a solid GCSE foundation helps you keep pace.

Most schools ask for at least a grade 6 in the relevant science, or 6–6 in Combined Science. For example, Runshaw College (opens in a new tab) and High Pavement Sixth Form (opens in a new tab) require this grade for A Level Biology entry.
You’ll also typically need a grade 6 or higher in Maths, since scientific subjects involve data, graphs and calculations.

Meeting these requirements means you’ll start the course with the knowledge and confidence to keep up with the pace.

Maths and Further Maths A Levels

Maths A Level is one of the most popular (and most challenging) subjects. The content moves quickly, and builds heavily on algebra, problem-solving and abstract thinking.

Most sixth forms ask for at least a grade 7 in GCSE Maths to take A Level Maths.
For Further Maths, the bar is higher: you’ll typically need a grade 8 or 9, and you’ll be expected to take it alongside A Level Maths.

For example, at Loreto College, Manchester (opens in a new tab), students applying for A Level Mathematics must have grades 9–7 in GCSE Maths.

Humanities and Arts A Levels

Subjects in humanities and the arts (such as History, English Literature, Geography, Art & Design, and Philosophy) vary in how demanding their entry requirements are, but they still ask for solid skills in writing, thinking and creativity.

Colleges and sixth forms typically ask for:

English: At least grade 5 in English Literature or English Language.
History: Grade 5 or above in History. If you didn’t take it at GCSE, a strong grade in English or another humanities subject is often accepted.
Geography: Grade 4 or above in GCSE Geography. If you didn’t take it, many schools accept grade 5 in English or a science instead.
Art & Design: Grade 4 or above in Art or a related subject. A portfolio may also be required.
Philosophy: No GCSE in the subject required. A grade 5 in English, History, or Religious Studies is usually expected.

For example, Leeds Sixth Form College (opens in a new tab) asks for grades 9–4 in GCSE English in order to study A Level English Language.

What If You Don't Meet the Entry Requirements?

If your results don’t quite go to plan, don’t panic. Not meeting the standard entry requirements doesn’t mean A Levels are off the table, but it does mean you’ll need to explore your next steps carefully.

Here are some of the most common options:

Talk to the sixth form or college directly. Many schools consider the full picture, not just your grades. If you were close to the requirement, have a strong attitude to learning, or faced challenges during your exams, they may still offer you a place or suggest an alternative course. It’s always worth a conversation.
Resit your GCSEs. If you’ve narrowly missed a required grade, especially in English or Maths, you may be able to resit the subject in November or the following summer. Some schools will let you begin your A Levels while resitting your GCSEs alongside.
Consider a different course or subject. Not every pathway requires the same grades. Some sixth forms offer alternative subjects or more flexible entry routes, including BTECs or mixed A Level and vocational programmes.
Take a foundation year or Level 2 programme. If you need a broader reset, many colleges offer one-year courses to help students requalify and reapply for A Levels the following year with stronger results.

Remember: entry requirements exist to make sure you’re ready, not to shut you out. If you don’t meet them right away, there’s almost always a way forward. Speak to a tutor, get advice early, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Can You Take an A Level Without Doing the GCSE First?

In some cases, yes, you can take an A Level without having studied the subject at GCSE.

This is most common for subjects that aren’t widely offered at GCSE, such as:

Sixth forms and colleges offering these subjects understand that most students will be starting from scratch. What they will look for is strong performance in related subjects, for example, English, History or Maths, to show you’ve got the skills to handle the course.

In contrast, subjects like Maths, English Literature, Sciences and Languages almost always require the equivalent GCSE. That’s because these A Levels build directly on the content and skills developed at GCSE level.

Always check with your chosen sixth form or college about their specific policies.

Examples of Real Sixth Form Entry Requirements

Here are some real examples to give you an idea of what to expect:

V6 Sixth Form, Bristol (opens in a new tab): Requires 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including Maths and English to take three subjects.
Loreto College, Manchester (opens in a new tab): Requires 6 GCSEs at grades 4–9, including at least two grade 6s.
Greenhead College, Huddersfield (opens in a new tab): Requires grade 6 in three GCSE subjects, plus grade 4 in English Language and Maths. Specific subjects may ask for higher grades.
Harris Westminster Sixth Form, London (opens in a new tab): Requires 6 GCSEs at grades 7–9, including grade 7 or above in each A Level subject you plan to study.

These examples show just how much entry requirements can vary. That’s why it’s so important to check the details directly with each sixth form or college you’re considering. Knowing the exact criteria gives you a clear target and puts you in control of your next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Pass English and Maths for A Levels?

Yes, almost all sixth forms and colleges require passes in English and Maths GCSEs. This is usually grade 4 or 5 minimum.

If you haven't achieved this, you'll be required to re-sit these subjects in your first year. Read more about:

Can I Take a Subject I Didn't Study at GCSE?

Sometimes, yes. Especially if the subject isn’t commonly offered at GCSE. Subjects like Psychology, Sociology, Law, Politics, Economics and Philosophy often welcome students starting fresh, as long as you’ve done well in related subjects like English or Humanities.

What Happens If I Fail One GCSE?

It depends which one. If you’ve passed English and Maths and meet the total GCSE count, some schools may still offer you a place. But if the failed subject is directly linked to the A Level you want to study, it could be a barrier. Talk to the sixth form, they may still consider you.

You can read more about your options in our guide to what happens if you fail your GCSEs.

Are Private Schools' Requirements Different?

Often, yes. Private or selective schools may ask for six or more GCSEs at grades 7–9, especially for competitive subjects. That said, they may also be flexible depending on interviews, predicted grades, or subject combinations.

Final Thoughts

The key to A Level success starts with knowing what’s expected of you. Most sixth forms and colleges ask for five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths, but beyond that, the details vary.

Some subjects have tougher grade requirements. Others, like Psychology or Law, let you start fresh. And if your results aren’t quite what you hoped for, there are still paths forward, whether that’s retakes, alternative courses, or speaking directly with a sixth form tutor.

The earlier you know your target, the better you can plan. So check the requirements for the subjects and schools you’re aiming for. That way, there are no surprises, just a clear route to the next stage of your education.

Get clear on the requirements early, and you’ll be able to focus your efforts where they count most.