When finishing secondary education and considering the path to follow, it is essential to be well informed about the different options to choose from. One such option that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the A Levels programme. 

But do you know how the A Levels programme works, what it is, where it can be studied and what requirements are necessary to be admitted? In this article, we explain everything you need to know so that you can make the best possible pathway to higher education.

What is the A Levels programme?

The A Levels system (abbreviation of “Advanced Levels”) is the educational programme taught in the United Kingdom and which, in recent years, has been extended to other countries around the world. The equivalent of A Levels in Spain would be the Bachillerato. The difference is that they allow access to a multitude of universities around the world.

An alternative for post-secondary studies that allows students to specialise in specific subjects and acquire a deeper knowledge of the disciplines they prefer. In this way, students have the opportunity to customise their education based on their interests, abilities, and career goals. They can choose between three or four subjects.

Where to study the A Levels?

In the United Kingdom, the colleges and sixth forms are the most common centres to study the A Levels. But there are also secondary schools that offer this programme.

However, it is not necessary to live in the United Kingdom to study this programme, since many other international educational institutions also offer A Levels in other countries. For example, in Spain there are different educational institutions that are part of the British Council and international British schools, such as Hastings School (Madrid), that follow the British curriculum and offer A Levels as an alternative to the Spanish Bachillerato. 

Requirements to access the A Levels programme

To enrol on the A Levels programme, you will need to meet certain academic requirements. One of the most important of these is the grades obtained in secondary school or equivalent examinations. In addition, there are some specific requirements that are set by each school, but admission is usually based on the following criteria:

  1. Age: generally, students start their A Levels at the end of ESO, at around 16 years of age.
  2. Subject choice: some subjects may have prerequisites or recommendations.
  3. Previous qualifications: Secondary school examination grades are also taken into consideration. Good marks are usually required in subjects related to the A Levels the student has chosen.
  4. English level: if you are not a native English speaker, you may have to pass exams  such as the IELTS or the TOEFL to show your linguistic skills.
  5. Interviews and recommendations: there are centres that conduct interviews with families or ask for recommendations from previous teachers.

However, as we said, the requirements may be different depending on each centre. It is therefore advisable to check which specific aspects are most valued at the school where the student wishes to enrol.

Equivalence of A Levels in Spain

Many people wonder if A Levels have equivalence in Spain. As it is not a Spanish education system, they do not translate directly into Spanish qualifications, but there are some ways of equating them:

  1. Selectividad: in Spain, access to university is through Selectividad, also known as PAU (Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad). If, after completing A Levels, you finally decide to study at university in Spain, you will have to do the Selectividad and meet the requirements established by each institution.
  2. Recognition of credits: some Spanish universities may recognise A Levels as part of your application for admission, allowing you to obtain credits or advance in your programme of study. 
  3. Validation: in some cases, it is possible to apply for validation of A Levels through Spanish educational bodies. This may require the submission of documentation and the assessment of your transcript.

 

A Levels in Spain

In recent years, A Levels have become an academic alternative to the traditional Spanish Bachillerato for students seeking a more specialised approach. This is particularly the case for students who wish to study at university in the UK or in other countries where A Levels are recognised. In this way, students can enjoy a more flexible education and have the opportunity to gain access to international universities.

A Levels Exams

The A Levels Exams are a fundamental part of the British education system. They are divided into two levels, AS and A2, which are normally taken at the end of the first and second year respectively.

Each subject has a set of exams which must be passed at the end of the course. These are very demanding tests which require a great deal of understanding and in-depth knowledge of the subject, making them excellent preparation for higher education.

In short, the A Levels programme provides a highly specialised academic training that allows students to choose and study in depth the subjects they are most interested in for their future. Indeed, with a serious approach and hard work, A Levels can be the passport to a successful career.