AS & A Levels Online
- Cambridge Online School
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
Our international AS and A Level courses can be studied through our online Sixth Form, and they are available for students aged 16 to 18 years old. AS and A Levels are both advanced courses that are studied after students have completed IGCSEs. However, they have differences when it comes to the course lengths and grading systems.
What are AS Levels?
AS stands for Advanced Subsidiary and this advanced qualification is studied after GCSEs. AS Level courses also typically only take 1 year to complete. Students are not required to study AS Levels, however they work effectively when studying them as an additional qualification alongside A Levels.
This is because AS Levels are graded lower compared to A Levels, as they cover less advanced topics and take a shorter period of time to complete. For example, an A grade for an AS Level qualification is equivalent to a B grade for an A Level in terms of UCAS points.
What are A Levels?
A Levels are studied after GCSEs, similarly to AS Levels, and typically take 2 years to complete. Students usually choose between 3 and 4 A Level subjects to study based on their goals and preferences.
A Levels compile a lot of information into a smaller time period, so the jump from GCSEs can feel pretty big. However, these qualifications focus on a balance of coursework and exam assessments, compared to GCSEs that primarily focus on exam-based work.
What AS & A Levels to study?
Depending on the goals students have in mind and what they hope to achieve, there is a range of subjects to choose from. However, if students are hoping to get into University, these are some subjects that are sought after for a lot of courses.
English Language/Literature
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
A key subject that is often looked for in University applications is English-related A Levels. This is because having skills in reading, writing, listening, and communicating is essential in most careers and everyday life. However, if you are unsure of exactly what qualifications are needed for a specific course, you can often find course requirements on University websites.
We offer a wide selection of Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge International AS & A-Levels for students to choose from. If you would like to view a full list of the subjects available, please see below:
Do you need to take AS Levels?
It is not essential to study AS Levels on top of A Level courses. However, it does provide benefits in terms of standing out from the competition. When applying for jobs or universities, having additional qualifications can help students stand out from the rest.
However, studying an AS Level on top of 3 A Levels can provide a lot of work. It is important to ensure students don't feel like they are struggling to keep up with the workload, and that they're not under too much pressure. It is more important that they feel confident in their learning and develop a clear understanding of the subjects they have chosen.
How are AS and A Level exams taken?
Our online school does not provide a physical exam centre, as they would not be easily accessible for our students. We do, however, provide ongoing support for how to find an exam centre near you. We are also able to register students for their Pearson Edexcel exams from May 2026, as we are a Pearson approved online centre. We will also support our Cambridge students in finding a local centre for them.
If you are looking to find your nearest exam centre, please head over to this page on our website: www.cambridgeonlineschool.co.uk/examcentresnearyou
Please note that you will need to select a centre that accepts private candidates.
How are AS and A Levels graded?
AS and A Levels are graded A* to E, unlike the new 9 to 1 grading system for GCSEs. These grades are then converted into UCAS points for students hoping to attend university. The higher the grade, the higher the points they will receive.
If you have any questions about online AS and A Level courses, please get in touch via the details below:
Phone: +44 (0) 1223616430