Can You Do an A Level in One Year?

Maybe you’ve missed a grade, want to fast-track your studies, or you’re coming back to education with a fresh goal. Whatever your reason, you might be asking: can you really do an A Level in just one year?

The short answer is yes. While A Levels are usually taught over two years (a year for AS Level in the subject, and a year for the final A Level), many students successfully complete them in 12 months. It’s very demanding, but with the right plan, it’s absolutely achievable.

This guide breaks down who this option is right for, how to approach it, and what you’ll need to stay on track.

Is It Possible to Complete an A Level in One Year?

It’s completely possible to complete an A Level in a single year. Exam boards and universities accept one-year A Levels, provided you sit all your exam papers in the same exam series, and achieve the grade requirements.

You’ll often see this pathway taken by:

• Resit students improving grades for university offers

• Mature learners returning to education or changing direction

• Ambitious students on fast-track programmes

The structure is no different from a two-year A Level, what changes is the pace. You’ll be covering the same content in half the time, so organisation is key.

Who Might Want to Take an A Level in One Year?

This route isn’t for everyone, but if you’re determined and willing to put the work in, it can be a great fit.

Retake Students

If you’re resitting your A Levels to boost grades, you already have an advantage: you know the course. A one-year A Level lets you target weak areas, sharpen exam skills, and achieve the results you need for university entry.

Mature or Independent Learners

You might be returning to education after a break, or pursuing a new career path that requires an A Level. Studying in one year can be more practical, especially if you’re looking to make that career jump ASAP.

Students on Fast-Track Programmes

Some students simply want to move ahead quickly. Fast-track colleges and online providers offer structured one-year A Levels that allow you to apply to university sooner. If you’re focused and motivated, this could be the perfect option.

How to Take an A Level in One Year

If you decide to go for it, you’ll need to choose the right study pathway and plan carefully.

Study Options

• Online courses – flexible and self-paced, with tutor support and exam bookings arranged for you

• Fast-track sixth forms or independent colleges – structured, classroom-based teaching delivered in a year

• Private tuition or self-study – a cheaper route of the three, if you’re self-motivated, though you’ll need to register with an exam centre yourself

Choosing the Right Subjects

Not all subjects work equally well on a fast-track, so be careful what A Level subjects you choose, and why. 

Subjects such as Maths, English, History, Economics, and Psychology work well in fast-track format, and are manageable within a year under intensive study. That’s not to say it will be easy.

Chemistry, and some vocational subjects, are harder to complete because they often involve practical work, which may not be feasible to cover in an accelerated one-year course. 

Study Plan and Workload

When aiming to complete a two-year course in a year, you need to be prepared for a heavier weekly workload:

• Expect 15–20 hours per subject per week

• Build a structured timetable from day one

• Include monthly progress reviews and timed past papers to check understanding

• Consistency is everything. Falling behind in a one-year A Level leaves very little time to catch up.

Challenges of Doing an A Level in One Year

There’s no denying that completing an A Level in a single year is tough. You’ll be covering the same amount of content as a two-year course, but in half the time, meaning lessons, your revision timetable, and exam practice all move at a much faster pace.

The risk of burnout is also real. Without careful planning and regular breaks, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the workload. Finding a healthy balance between study and rest is essential.

On top of this, many students attempting a one-year A Level are also working, resitting alongside other courses, or managing personal responsibilities. Juggling these commitments requires strong organisation and discipline.

By recognising these challenges early, you can put strategies in place to manage them and give yourself the best chance of success.

5 Tips for Success in a One-Year A Level

If you’re taking on the challenge of completing an A Level in just twelve months, the way you study becomes even more important. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

1. Start early. The pace of a one-year course leaves little room for procrastination. As soon as you enrol, familiarise yourself with the syllabus, organise your notes, and map out key exam dates. A strong start will make the rest of the year far more manageable.

2. Stick to a schedule. Consistency is everything. Build a weekly timetable that balances lessons, independent study, and A Level revision. Breaking the course into smaller milestones helps you stay on track and prevents deadlines from piling up.

3. Revise actively. With limited time, passive reading won’t cut it. Use revision techniques like flashcards for quick recall, past papers for exam practice, and spaced repetition to make sure knowledge sticks long-term. These methods will save hours of wasted revision.

4. Seek support. You don’t need to do it alone. A tutor, mentor, or study group can provide accountability, explain tricky concepts, and keep you motivated. Having someone to turn to can make all the difference during a demanding year.

5. Practise under exam conditions. Mock exams are vital, they test not just your knowledge but your timing, technique, and ability to stay calm under pressure. Each one gives you a chance to identify weak areas and refine your strategy before the real thing.

Combining structure, active learning, and support will give yourself the best chance to thrive in a one-year A Level course.

Will Universities Accept a One-Year A Level?

Yes, universities accept one-year A Levels as valid qualifications. The key is sitting the full set of exams in one exam season.

For highly competitive courses (such as Medicine, or Law), you may need to explain why you took the one-year route or resat. But the qualification itself is treated no differently to a two-year A Level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it harder to do an A Level in one year?

Doing an A Level in one year is more intense because you have less time to complete it than in the traditional route of two years. But, with the right support and strong time management, many students succeed.

How much does it cost to take a one-year A Level privately?

When taking a one-year A Level course privately, costs vary. Expect to pay £340-£1,500 for online courses, and around £9000 plus exam entrance fees (usually around £65–£400+ per exam paper).

Can I do a one-year A Level online?

Absolutely. Many providers offer one-year online A Levels with structured timetables and tutor support. You’ll still need to book your exams at an approved centre, but the learning can be entirely remote.

Final Thoughts

Completing an A Level in one year is a big challenge, but it’s also a real opportunity. Whether you’re resitting, returning to education, or eager to fast-track your way to university, this pathway can help you reach your goals sooner.

With a clear plan, consistent study, and the right support, it’s not just possible, it’s entirely within your reach.

Save My Exams has all the A Level revision resources you need to study effectively and achieve the grades you need for your future.