A-levels at Kings Colleges | Programme structure

A-levels

Course structure Subjects Top achievers

Flexible programme structure

We offer A-levels in 3 different study plans:

Standard two-year programme
Transfer from Year 12
Extended programme

Standard two-year A-level

The standard programme taken by UK students, over 6 terms of study.

Key facts

Start dates:

8 September 2025
5 January 2026

Colleges:

Kings Bournemouth
Kings Brighton
Kings London
Kings Oxford

Course length:

2 Academic Years (6 terms)

Lessons:

Average 7 hours per week per subject, plus homework and private study

Entry requirements:

Completed 10 years of schooling (GCSE or equivalent)
Minimum IELTS 5.5 (5.0 in Reading and Writing) or equivalent

Minimum age:

Learning outcomes

Gain UK national university entrance qualification
Raise English to university level
Develop study skills required at degree level
Develop specialist subject expertise

Transfer from Year 12

You can also enter the second year (A2) of a two-year A-level programme if you have completed Year 12 (Year 1 of A-levels) elsewhere.

By transferring to Kings, you benefit from more intensive and more tailored support. This offers greater scope to perform better and achieve more.

Key facts

Start Dates:

8 September 2025

Colleges:

Kings Bournemouth
Kings Brighton
Kings London
Kings Oxford

Course Length:

1 Academic Year (3 terms)

Lessons:

Average 9 hours per week per subject, plus homework and private study

Entry requirements:

Completed 11 years of schooling (GCSE or equivalent);
Completed A1
Minimum IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in Reading and Writing) or equivalent (6.0 for Art subjects in Oxford)

Minimum age:

17 (16 in exceptional circumstances)

Learning outcomes

Gain UK national university entrance qualification
Develop study skills required at degree level
Develop specialist subject expertise

Resits

Students who are unhappy about the A-level grades they got and want to resit one or more subjects, can retake Year 13, the A2 year with us, over three terms.

The requirements are the same as for students who are transferring from Year 12.

Extended A-level

The Extended A-level is for international students with lower language levels.

It combines 1 – 4 terms of intensive language tuition and some academic subject classes with the 6 terms of A-level programme.

Key facts

Start dates:

7 April 2025
8 September 2025

Colleges:

Kings Bournemouth
Kings Brighton
Kings London
Kings Oxford

Course length:

7 – 10 terms

Lessons:

Average 20 – 25 hours per week, plus homework and private study

Entry requirements:

Completed 10 years of schooling (GCSE or equivalent)
Minimum IELTS 4.0 or equivalent

Minimum age:

A-level factsheet

I reviewed my personal statement at least 10 times with the help of various teachers at the school, which proved to be the most important part of my application and got me an offer from LSE.

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Student stories

Programme content

There are six components to the A-level programme at Kings:

1. Academic subjects

You will follow three subjects, with advice provided on which subjects are required for your future degree aims and to develop transferable knowledge and skills to keep the widest range of appropriate degree options open.

You may also take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) as an additional fourth subject to further explore areas of specific interest and add to your university applications.

2. Academic skills development

You will also have classes in Academic language, communication and study skills.

These support your general and subject-specific learning.

3. IELTS preparation

You will develop specific skills to pass the IELTS exam at the level required for university entry.

4. Academic Enrichment programme

You will have opportunities to follow a range of topics outside your main subjects.

5. Examination practice

You will have practice exams every week.

This ensure you learn the disciplines of working concisely, accurately and to precise time limits.

These practice exams also give your teachers valuable information about your progress so they can ensure lessons are relevant to your exact needs.

6. Examinations

You will have your final examinations at the end of Year 2.

CAT 4 testing

We use the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT 4) to assess your abilities, academic potential and learning preferences.

The test analyses your ability to reason with and manipulate different types of material. It uses verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial reasoning tasks.

This method helps every student achieve more than they thought possible in a measurable way.

CAT 4 Test

Extended Project Qualification

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a valuable and enriching opportunity that allows you to explore a topic you're passionate about, develop your independent research skills, and manage a project from start to finish.

Highly regarded by leading universities, the EPQ can strengthen your university applications by demonstrating your deep and genuine interest in your chosen subject area and your potential for the future. An EPQ enables you to develop and demonstrate the ability to think critically, manage your time effectively and work independently; all of which are key skills for success in higher education and future careers.

The EPQ can be taken alongside A-levels as a fourth subject and carries additional UCAS Tariff points equivalent to half an A-level.

EPQ Factsheet

Exams

A-levels are usually completed over two academic years. All A-level exams take place at the end of Year 2.

You can take an AS exam at the end of your first year, but it not essential and won’t count towards your final grade.

There is now less coursework and fewer practical assessments than before. Your final grade is based on end-of-course exams.

Grades for university entry

Each A-level is graded from A*, A, B, C, D or E.

When you apply for your degree course, universities will usually offer you a conditional place.

This means your place is dependent on you achieving the A-level grades they require, for example ABB.

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The Kings Admissions Team

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A-levels: Course structure

Flexible programme structure

Standard two-year A-level

Key facts

Learning outcomes

Transfer from Year 12

Key facts

Learning outcomes

Resits

Extended A-level

Key facts

Programme content

CAT 4 testing

Extended Project Qualification

Exams

Grades for university entry

Degree Pathways with Kings

Degree Pathway Colleges

Universities

Degree Pathway Programmes

University Success

Other programmes

A-levels and GCSEs with Kings

Our Colleges

Main programmes

Elite preparation

Other Programmes

University Success

Step inside Kings.Read our blog

The Kings Difference

Learning at Kings

Life at Kings

Support at Kings

A-levels: Course structure

Flexible programme structure

Standard two-year A-level

Key facts

Learning outcomes

Transfer from Year 12

Key facts

Learning outcomes

Resits

Extended A-level

Key facts

Programme content

CAT 4 testing

Extended Project Qualification

Exams

Grades for university entry

Contact Us

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Step inside Kings.
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