Do you want to offer your students qualifications that are internationally recognised?

Employers, colleges and universities worldwide see A-levels as one of the most respected and challenging international qualifications. Students who take A-levels explore subjects in detail while developing their creativity and critical-thinking skills. 

A-levels can help your institution:

  • offer qualifications accepted by leading universities
  • attract bright, ambitious students
  • build a better reputation
  • help students meet emigration criteria
  • prepare your students for a more rewarding career.

An international qualification

The A-level qualifications offered by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) are studied in more than 125 countries, while schools in 80 countries offer A-levels from Pearson Edexcel. The British Council connects you with these exam boards, allowing you to offer world-class qualifications to your students.

The British Council makes the exam process straightforward – for teachers, students and school exams co-ordinators. 

The course

A-levels usually take two years to complete. The course is split into two parts. At the end of their first year of studies, students are assessed with coursework and exams. The result is their AS-level grade. The second year is the A2-level. Students’ grades from the two years are combined to form their A-level result.

Exam boards

A-levels are offered by two main exam boards – CIE (Cambridge International Examinations) and Pearson Edexcel. 

Find out which board is right for your school.

Choosing subjects

Students can choose from more than 35 subjects – from core subjects such as Maths and English to specialist subjects.

Students typically choose to study three to four subjects, though this often depends on the requirements of their preferred university or professional training provider.

Find out which A-level subjects CIE offers.

Find out which A-level subjects Person Edexcel offers.

Grades and marking

Students are assessed using a mixture of written and oral tests, coursework and practical assessments. In some cases, schools can choose to only use external examinations or to combine coursework with examinations. 

Results are awarded using the internationally recognised A* to E grades. Coursework and exam papers are all marked centrally in the UK.

Results

Results are sent to schools or your nearest British Council office several weeks after the final exam or coursework submission.

Exam registration: key points

  • You can register by completing the paper application form.
  • Register before the deadline or you may have to pay a penalty fee.
  • Your local British Council office can help you to register students for their exams.
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