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The Advanced level General Certificate of Education (A-level G.C.E.) is the ‘gold standard’ qualification for a British university, taken by the vast majority of UK students aiming for Higher Education. A-levels are studied during the final two years at UK high schools (secondary schools) from a wide choice.
An A-level is an in-depth study of a specific subject, and is therefore quite rigorous – regarded as roughly equivalent in standard to courses taken in freshman year at a US college. Three subjects are normally taken by UK students.
There are five A-Level passing grades : ‘A’ to ‘E’, with each grade being worth a number of ‘points’ (A = 56 points, to E = 16 points) and universities will stipulate the grades required, or alternatively a ‘points’ requirement. .
International students who aim to apply to a British university may be required to pass the A-level exam in one or more subjects, depending upon their existing qualifications. High School grades may be taken into account but students who haven’t completed High School, or who have under-achieved, will normally be advised to sit at least two A-levels.
The student-focused support offered by the tutorial system helps students to develop learning and writing skills required at A-Level, and to overcome any difficulty with the language element, if necessary. Courses are taught in small classes or by individual tutorials, and are complemented by a Study Skills course. Where required, students will study IELTS (Academic) alongside their A-Level subjects.
A good passing grade at A-Level will normally merit college credit and therefore permits exemption from a college course overseas (for example in the US).
We also offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma for entry into university.
From the moment you apply, you are given expert guidance on the length of course and combination of subjects appropriate to your academic background and university and career intentions. The choices of course length are as follows :
Accelerated A-level preparation courses can be taken over one year from September. Five-term courses can also be taken from January, ideal for those whose home country curriculum finishes in November or December, or who are seeking a fresh start. Additional teaching hours each week enable rapid assimilation, and these courses are often taught on a tutorial basis.
A-levels are normally taught over two years. This more measured pace allows for careful reinforcement of knowledge and understanding and extensive practice in using the material. A two year A-Level programme begins in September, from a wide subject choice. Three subjects are normally studied.
Students are able to retake A-Levels, depending on the subjects, either over an academic year, or from January to June, or for just one term starting in April. The length of the courses will be influenced by how many grades and for how many subjects you need to improve, also by Gap Year plans. If some factor has prevented you from performing to your best and achieving your potential, a retake can be an effective course of action.
Tutors are experienced graduates and teaching is student-focussed. Courses are taught in a clear and direct way, checking understanding by careful review and continual practice from previous examination questions in order to develop answering skills.
Small group teaching enables thorough and effective dissemination of subject topics with student feedback and discussion, ensuring that individual understanding is complete, preparation work is satisfactory and that learning and writing skills are being mastered.
Students develop a set of revision notes and we encourage systematic and well-focused revision. Acquisition of study techniques, including reading skills, note-taking and essay writing is carefully monitored. There is an overall subject review as exams approach, to check recall and understanding and enable final practice with essential exam techniques.
It’s usually possible to make a clear, sensible choice of A-Level subjects according to the planned degree or career options. The key is in finding subjects that are the right ‘fit’; those that you enjoy and for which you have an aptitude. We offer careful guidance and support with subject choice, beginning at the point of application.
Senior staff and tutors have vast experience of working with students. A personal tutor provides guidance to ensure that each student is meeting the challenges of academic work, based on tutors’ progress reports. Help is given to organise study time, prioritise work and refine study and exam techniques.Regular testing helps to make sure that each student is on track with their work and exam preparation.
In the case of a student falling behind with work, a strategy is adopted to remedy matters, and parents may be consulted to support any remedial action.
A safe and comfortable home environment is important to enable students to focus fully on their studies. Typically, placements are made in college residences, located in the centre of Oxford, or with friendly local host families in Oxford.
A wide variety of options ensure that all students feel comfortable, happy and at home during their stay. Some students feel ready for fully independent living, opting for a university student experience, whereas others prefer to live in a family environment. We provide careful help in arranging suitable accommodation and to provide pastoral support.
* on mobile device? Turn your screen ‘landscape’ to view term dates below
| Hilary Term (Spring) | Trinity Term (Summer) | Michaelmas Term (Autumn) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term Begins | 5 January 2026 | 20 April 2026 | 7 September 2026 |
| Term Ends | 2 April 2026 | 26 June 2026 (18 May A-Level Study/Exam leave) | 16 December 2026 |
| Half-Term | Reading week - 14-22 February 2026 | Bank holidays: 4 May, 25 May Reading week - 23 May - 1 June 2026 | Reading week - 24 October - 1 November |
Email us now at contact@campusoxford.com
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