Fiducia TogetherA Level
Also called A-levels, Advanced level
The traditional academic qualification at 18, graded A* to E, and the usual route to university.
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.
What it is
A Levels are level 3 qualifications normally taken over two years after GCSEs, in three or four subjects, assessed almost entirely by examination at the end.
AS Levels still exist but are decoupled and now count separately rather than contributing to the A Level.
Where it applies
Students post-16 in sixth forms and colleges.
How it works
Grades A* to E, converted to UCAS tariff points for university applications.
Entry requirements vary by school and subject and are usually expressed in GCSE grades.
What you can ask for
Ask what support continues post-16. An EHCP does not stop at 16 and colleges have SEND duties, but the support has to be arranged rather than assumed.
Ask about access arrangements again — they do not carry over automatically from GCSEs and must be reapplied for.
Ask whether a mix of A Levels and vocational qualifications is possible if that suits better. Many settings allow it.
Where to get help
The sixth form or college's SEND lead, and UCAS for progression.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains a word or a process in education. It is general information about the system, the law and the guidance in England — not advice about your child, your school or your exam. If a decision is going against you, get advice from one of the free services we link to before you agree to anything or miss a deadline. If you are revising, check your own exam board's specification: boards word things differently and yours is the one that marks you.