Can I Study A Levels Online?

A Levels are the gateway to university, apprenticeships, and many careers. But what if you don’t want (or aren’t able) to study them at school or college? With distance learning now more popular than ever, many students ask the question: “Can I study A Levels online?”

The short answer is yes. You can study A Levels entirely online through distance learning providers. However, you’ll still need to take your final exams in person at an approved exam centre. This article provides an overview of how online A Levels work, including the pros and cons of studying in this format, the associated costs, and whether universities accept these qualifications.

Key Takeaways

• You can study A Levels online with a distance learning provider, but you must sit your exams in person at an exam centre.

• Online A Levels offer flexibility, a wider range of subject choices, and are ideal for resitters, adult learners, or home-educated students.

• They require strong self-motivation and usually involve extra costs for exam entry.

• Universities treat online A Levels the same as school or college ones, provided they’re with recognised exam boards.

Can You Really Study A Levels Online?

Yes. Online study is a flexible alternative to attending a school or college. Instead of sitting in a classroom every day, you learn through a provider’s digital platform. Materials are written to match the syllabus for your chosen exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, or Eduqas).

It’s important to note that while the learning is online, the exams are not. You’ll need to register as a private candidate at an exam centre and sit your written papers under normal exam conditions.

How Do Online A Levels Work?

Online A Level courses are delivered in several ways, depending on the provider. Study methods usually involve:

• Recorded lectures or video lessons you can watch anytime.

• Live online classes or webinars with tutors, some offering optional group sessions.

• Assignments or mock exams submitted online, with tutor feedback to check your understanding.

• Tutor support via email, messaging, or video calls.

• Online forums or study groups where you can connect with other learners.

Most online A Level students also spend a significant amount of time on independent study. Unlike school, where lessons structure your week, you’ll need to be proactive in organising your study time, planning your own schedule and keeping on track with deadlines.

Where Do You Sit Exams for Online A Levels?

Even if you study online, you cannot sit exams at home. You’ll need to:

• Book your exams at an approved exam centre (often a school, college, or dedicated private centre).

• Register as an A Level private candidate with the exam board.

• Pay exam fees (these vary depending on the centre, subject, and board).

Registering as a private candidate can take time, and exam centres can fill up, especially for popular boards like AQA and Edexcel. Therefore, it’s advisable to organise your exam entry well in advance.

Benefits of Studying A Levels Online

• Flexibility: You can set your own pace and fit your study schedule around work, travel, or other commitments.

• Wider subject choice: You can access subjects not offered at your local school or college.

• Accessibility: Ideal for home-educated students, adult learners, or students with health issues.

• Resits: Ideal for those retaking specific A Levels to improve grades.

• Independence: You develop valuable self-study skills that prepare you for university.

Challenges of Studying A Levels Online

• Self-motivation and discipline required: Without classroom structure, it’s easy to fall behind in your studies.

• Practical subjects: Some subjects (like sciences with lab work) can be more challenging to take online, though providers often work around this.

• Less day-to-day interaction and support: You won’t have daily face-to-face contact with teachers or classmates. This means fewer opportunities for immediate feedback. You’ll also miss out on peer discussion. As an A Level Religious Studies teacher, I know how beneficial such discussions and debates can be for sharpening subject knowledge and developing critical thinking and analysis.

• Technology reliance: A stable internet connection and access to a computer are essential.

• Exam entry costs: You’ll need to budget for exam centre fees in addition to course provider fees.

How Much Do Online A Levels Cost?

Costs vary depending on the provider and exam centre. As a guide:

• Course fees: These range from around £300 to £800 per subject, depending on the provider and level of tutor support.

• Exam entry fees: Centres typically charge between £100 and £200 per exam, plus admin fees. Sciences with practical endorsements may cost more.

This means the full cost of studying an A-Level online can range from £400 to £1,000 or more. If you’re retaking multiple subjects, this can add up quickly. 

Always factor in both course fees and exam fees when budgeting. And when you sign up with a course provider, always confirm what’s included in your fees, for example, whether textbooks, tutor feedback, or exam booking support are provided.

Are Online A Levels Accepted by Universities?

Yes. Universities treat online A Levels exactly the same as those taken in schools or colleges, as long as they’re with recognised UK exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas).

When you apply through UCAS, there’s no distinction between online and in-person study. What matters is your grade and subject combination. Always check specific university entry requirements for your chosen course.

Who Should Consider Online A Levels?

Online A Levels may be the right choice if you are:

• A student without access to a local school or college offering your subjects.

• A retake candidate aiming for higher grades.

• An adult learner returning to education.

• Someone who needs flexible study hours due to work, health, or family commitments.

If you’re self-motivated and able to organise your own learning, online A Levels can be a practical and flexible route.

Resources to Support Online A Level Study

If you choose the online route, you’ll need high-quality revision resources to stay on track. Save My Exams offers:

• Revision notes to break down topics clearly.

• Topic questions to test understanding.

• Past papers to practise exam technique under timed conditions.

• Flashcards for active recall.

These tools are especially useful for online learners who may not have regular classroom assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a teacher for online A Levels?

Most online providers include tutor support, but the level varies. You’ll often get feedback on assignments and the option to contact a tutor with questions.

Can I study A Levels online for free?

Fully free courses are rare, but you might find open resources. Most reputable providers charge course fees. 

However, you can use free resources (like Save My Exams revision notes) to support your learning.

How long does it take to complete an online A Level?

Just like in school, online A Levels usually take two years of study. 

Some providers offer “fast-track” options to complete them in one year, but this requires very intensive work.

Do online A Levels have coursework?

Some subjects, like English Literature or History, include a coursework element (non-exam assessment). 

If your subject has coursework, you’ll need to arrange for it to be marked and submitted through your provider or exam centre.