Parent Guide to A Levels: Everything You Need to Know

It can be difficult to know how best to support your child as they start their A Level journey. 

Not knowing how to help your child as they make their A Level choices and start exam revision can leave you feeling helpless at the moments your child needs your support the most.

Our guide is here to help. We've put together everything parents need to know about A Levels, from subject choices and grading to exam timelines and how to support your child's wellbeing along the way.

Key Takeaways

• A Levels are usually studied over two years, between the ages of 16 and 18, after completing GCSEs.

• Students generally study three or four subjects, assessed mainly through end-of-year exams.

• Grades run from A* (highest) to E (minimum pass), with U meaning ungraded.

What Is an A Level?

A Level stands for Advanced Level. It's a subject-based qualification taken in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, typically after students complete their GCSEs.

A Levels are designed to develop in-depth knowledge and critical thinking in specific subjects. They act as a bridge between secondary school and higher education or employment.

Most UK universities use A Level results as the primary basis for entry decisions, making them one of the most important sets of qualifications your child will take.  (opens in a new tab)

When Do Students Take A Levels?

Most often, students begin A Levels at age 16, after receiving their GCSE results in the summer. This stage of education is often called Sixth Form or College, and it lasts two years - Year 12 and Year 13.  (opens in a new tab)

The main A Level exams take place in May and June of Year 13, with results released in mid-August. Some students also sit AS Level exams at the end of Year 12. These are standalone qualifications but no longer count towards the full A Level grade in most cases.  (opens in a new tab)

Understanding A Level Subject Choices: How to Help Your Child Choose

Subject choices at A Level matter more than at GCSE, because they can shape university options and future career paths. It's worth taking the time to help your child think through their decisions carefully.

Many schools and colleges hold information evenings or taster sessions before students make their choices. Encouraging your child to attend these can make a real difference as they can talk to students already taking the subjects they’re interested in. Go along with them, and you can also get a feel for the courses on offer.

Compulsory Subjects

Unlike GCSEs, there are no nationally compulsory subjects at A Level. Students are free to choose based on their interests, strengths, and goals.

However, some universities specify required or preferred A Level subjects for entry to particular degree courses. 

Medicine, for example, almost always requires Chemistry (opens in a new tab). It's worth checking university entry requirements early in the decision-making process, especially if your child is clear on their future direction.

Check out our guide to the best A Level combinations your child might want to consider.

Optional Subjects

The range of A Level subjects available is wide. Common choices include: 

• Maths

• English Literature

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• History

• Psychology

But there are many more. Take a look at exam board websites, like AQA (opens in a new tab), Edexcel (opens in a new tab), or OCR (opens in a new tab), and explore the subjects list at Save My Exams to get a feel for the range of subjects available.

Be sure to encourage your child to choose subjects they really enjoy and are good at. Passion and ability are the strongest predictors of success at A Level.

How Many Subjects Do Students Usually Take at A Level?

Most students take three A Levels. This is the standard number accepted by universities and is considered a manageable workload for most learners.  (opens in a new tab)

Some students choose to take four A Levels, particularly those aiming for highly competitive universities or courses. However, this is not required, and many top universities make no distinction between three and four A Level applicants.

It's more important that your child performs well in three subjects than they spread themselves too thinly across four.

Understanding A Level Grades and Assessment

A Levels are mainly assessed through written exams taken at the end of Year 13. Some subjects, like Art & Design, also include a coursework or practical component, but this varies by subject.  (opens in a new tab)

How the Grading System Works

A Level grades run from A* (the highest) down through A, B, C, D, and E. A grade of U means "ungraded" and is not a pass.

Each grade corresponds to a range of marks, which are set each year by the exam boards after results are reviewed. This process is called grade boundary setting and ensures that grades are fair. For example, a student who sits A Level Chemistry in an exam deemed harder than previous years, has the same chance of being awarded an A because the grade boundary is set lower for that particular year.

What Counts as a Pass?

An E grade is the minimum pass at A Level. However, universities will set individual course entry requirements, with competitive courses asking for AAB or higher.  (opens in a new tab)

A Level results directly affect UCAS university applications. Students apply to university with predicted grades early in Year 13, then confirm their place once actual results arrive in August of that academic year.

Key Dates and Timeline for A Levels

Understanding the A Level journey from start to finish can help you plan ahead and reduce surprises.

Choosing Subjects or Pathways

Subject choices are typically made in the spring term of Year 11, ahead of starting Sixth Form or College in September. Many schools run options evenings between February and April.  (opens in a new tab)

This is a great time to have open conversations with your child about their interests and ambitions, without putting pressure on them to decide too quickly.

Beginning A Level Courses

Students begin their A Level studies in September of Year 12. The first year usually focuses more on the foundational content for each subject, alongside introductory assessments to track progress.

Assessment Period

The main A Level exams begin in May of Year 13 and run through to late June. Most subjects have two or three exam papers of between 90 minutes and 3 hours each, spread across this period.  (opens in a new tab)

Revision should be done throughout Year 13, but really begins in earnest after February half-term. Importantly, students who build in effective revision techniques early are often better prepared and feel more confident when walking into the exam hall.

Results and Next Steps

A Level results are published in mid-August. Results Day is usually the third Thursday of the month.  (opens in a new tab)

Students find out whether they've met the conditions of their university offers on the same day. If results are stronger than expected, students can enter Adjustment to explore better-matched courses. If results fall short, Clearing is available to find alternative university places.  (opens in a new tab)

Take a look at Save My Exams’ parent guide to clearing for more information.

How Can Parents Support Their Child Through A Levels?

A Levels can be demanding - academically and emotionally. And, your support as a parent can make a huge difference, even when it doesn't feel like it.

Creating a Supportive Home Environment

A calm, organised home environment helps your child study more effectively. A designated study space (ideally quiet and free from distractions) can make it easier for them to focus.  (opens in a new tab)

For further information, have a read of our guide to creating the perfect study space for revision.

Supporting Revision and Study Skills

Helping with revision doesn't mean you need to know the subject yourself. You can support your child by helping them:

• Create a revision timetable (opens in a new tab)

• Asking them to explain topics back to you

• Checking in on their progress regularly

Research shows that active recall is a highly effective revision strategy (opens in a new tab), as it boosts knowledge retention. This involves using revision tools like techniques like flashcards and past papers to hone exam technique while plugging learning gaps.

Save My Exams offers thousands of A Level practice questions and past paper resources to help your child revise actively. And, for a more in-depth look at supporting your child, check out our guide on how to help your child revise for A Levels.

Managing Stress and Wellbeing

It's normal for students to feel anxious about A Levels. But ongoing stress that affects sleep, appetite, or mood is worth addressing early.

Promote anxiety relief by encouraging: 

• Regular breaks

• Physical activity

• Time away from screens

• Opportunities to see friends

Make it clear that you care about their wellbeing more than their grades. This kind of low-pressure support is consistently linked to better outcomes.  (opens in a new tab)

Communicating with Teachers or Tutors

If you're concerned about your child's progress, don't wait for parents' evening. Most schools welcome contact from parents at any point in the year.

Regular communication with teachers helps you stay informed and ensures your child gets support early if they're falling behind.

What Happens If Results Aren't What You Expected?

Disappointing results are more common than you might think, but they’re rarely the end of the road. There are several practical options available.

If your child narrowly misses their university offer, the university may still accept them. It's worth calling the admissions team directly on Results Day before exploring other options.

• Clearing (opens in a new tab) allows students to apply for university courses that still have places available. It opens on Results Day and many good universities participate.

• Retaking A Levels is another route. Students can resit individual papers or whole subjects, either privately or through a school or college. Many students improve their grades significantly on a second attempt.

• Degree apprenticeships or foundation years at university are also valid and increasingly respected routes into careers and higher education.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important are A Level results for future education or careers?

A Levels are very important for university entry, but they aren’t the only route forward. Strong A Level grades open doors to competitive degree courses and universities. However, apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, and college courses offer credible alternatives that lead to excellent careers.

What should I do if my child is struggling with A Levels?

Start by talking to them openly. Then contact their school or college to flag your concerns. Many schools have pastoral support teams and learning mentors who can help. 

And, if budget allows, consider a private tutor. They can also make a massive difference, especially if it’s one specific subject where your child is finding the content difficult.

Support Your Child’s A Level Revision with Save My Exams

A Levels are a challenging, but manageable stage of your child's education, and your support as a parent plays a bigger role than you might realise. 

By understanding how the system works, A Level subject choices, and results day options, you're already better placed to help your child navigate this period with confidence. 

Whether your child sails through their exams or needs a little extra support along the way, there are always options, pathways, and people ready to help. And Save My Exams can supercharge your child’s revision with its huge bank of A Level revision resources. 

You've got this, and so has your child.

References

BMA - Applying for Medical School (opens in a new tab)
AQA - A Levels (opens in a new tab)
OCR - AS Level and A Level (opens in a new tab)
Edexcel - A Levels (opens in a new tab)
UCAS - What is Clearing? (opens in a new tab)
PubMed - Active recall strategies associated with academic achievement in young adults: A systematic review (opens in a new tab)