A Level and AS Exams FAQs

What dates are A levels in 2025?

In 2025 A Level and AS exams start on the 26th of April 2025 and finish on the 24th of June 2025. However you should check your own personal exam timetable to see when your earliest and latest exams are, or use the tables above.

Are there A levels in January?

In the UK there are no longer A level exams in January. However there are still some exams in January for International A level qualifications.

Will 2025 grade boundaries be lower?

Ofqual has confirmed that the two-year transition to pre-pandemic grading is now complete and expects results in 2025 to be broadly similar to in 2024. Nationally grade boundaries do fluctuate year-to-year due to the relative abilities of year groups, but this is not possible to predict in advance. In my experience, the best students know that grade boundaries are not something within their control; but what they can control is how much they revise!

What happens if you miss an A Level or AS exam?

If a student misses an A Level or AS exam, they usually receive a grade of “U” (ungraded) or “X” (absent) for that specific paper. This could negatively impact their overall grade for the subject. However, if a student has a legitimate reason for missing an exam, such as an illness or a family emergency, they should contact their school or exam centre as soon as possible to discuss the situation. In some cases, special consideration may be granted, or alternative arrangements might be made. However in my own experience, special consideration is not commonly granted.

What happens if you miss an A Level or AS exam due to illness in the UK?

If a student misses an A Level or AS exam due to illness, they should inform their school or exam centre as soon as possible. They may be required to provide medical evidence, such as a doctor’s note, to support their absence. The school or exam centre will then decide whether the student is eligible for special consideration and apply. Special consideration can result in a small adjustment to the student’s final grade to account for the circumstances that led to the missed exam. However, it is important to note that special consideration is granted at the discretion of the exam board, and in my experience it is relatively uncommon to be granted. If a student misses a significant portion of their exams due to illness, it might be necessary to retake the exams in a future exam series instead. I have taught many students who due to circumstances or illness, study one of their A level years a second time, and it almost always leads to a better outcome for them.

How long are A Level and AS exams?

A Level and AS exams’ duration varies depending on the subject, the specific exam board, and the type of assessment. Generally, exam durations range from 45 minutes to 2 hours. However, some practical exams or coursework assessments, such as Art or Drama, might have longer durations to allow students enough time to complete their work. It is essential to check the exam timetable and specifications from the relevant exam board for the exact duration of each exam. The best students I have taught know exactly how long their exam is, and can plan their time in the exam hall effectively.

How many A Level and AS exams are there?

The number of A Level and AS exams a student takes depends on the number of subjects they have chosen. Most students in the UK study 3 or 4 A levels. Each subject typically has multiple exams or assessments, making the total number of exams vary for each student. It is crucial to consult the exam timetable and specifications from the relevant exam board for the exact number of exams per subject. The best students I have taught take the number of exams, and when they are, into account when planning their revision.

How long is the A Level and AS exam season?

The A Level and AS exam season typically starts in early May and lasts until late June. Some practical exams or coursework assessments may take place earlier in the academic year. The exam timetables are usually released by the exam boards in the autumn before the exam year, and students should refer to the specific timetable for their exam board to know the exact dates of their exams.

What should you bring to an A Level or AS exam?

The students that I notice are the most calm before an exam, are those who are the most organised, and make sure everything is accounted for in advance. It’s important to bring the necessary items and equipment to your A level exam, to ensure a smooth exam experience. Here’s a list of items to bring to your exams:

1. Exam identification: Bring your exam candidate number and any photo identification required by your exam centre or school.

2. Stationery:

   • Black or blue ballpoint pens: Most exams require students to use black or blue ink. Bring more than one pen to ensure you have a backup.

   • Pencils: Bring HB pencils for diagrams, graphs, or any required shading. A sharpener and eraser are also useful.

   • Highlighters: These can be helpful for emphasising key points in questions or passages.

   • Ruler: A clear ruler is useful for drawing straight lines or measuring in subjects like Maths or Physics.

   • Compass, protractor, and calculator: These may be necessary for subjects like Maths and Physics. Ensure your calculator is of an approved model.

3. Watch or timer: A simple, non-smart watch or timer can help you manage your time during the exam. Smartwatches, mobile phones, or any other devices with communication or storage capabilities are not allowed in the exam room.

4. Water: Bring a clear plastic bottle of water with the label removed to stay hydrated during the exam.

5. Snacks: Check with your exam centre’s rules, but some may allow a small, non-disruptive snack (e.g. a cereal bar) for longer exams.

6. Comfort items: Wear comfortable clothing and layers to adjust for room temperature. If you require glasses or contact lenses, ensure you bring them.

7. Exam timetable and location: Bring a printed copy of your exam timetable, including the date, time, and location of the exam, so you can easily find your assigned room.

8. Special equipment or materials: Some exams, like Art or Design and Technology, may require additional materials or equipment. Check the exam specifications and guidelines to ensure you bring everything you need.