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:

3 January 2023
11 September 2023
8 January 2024
9 September 2024

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:

11 September 2023
9 September 2024

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

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:

3 January 2023
3 April 2023
11 September 2023
8 January 2024
8 April 2024
9 September 2024

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

Kings definitely helped me build a varied portfolio. I think that being able to show a wide range of skills helped me in my university interview.

Hazal

Leeds Arts University

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Student stories

Programme content

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

1. Academic subjects

Depending on your future degree course and ability, you will study three or four subjects.

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) can be taken alongside A-levels.

It is highly valued for progression to university and carries 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.

Thank you for your enquiry.
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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

Extended A-level

Key facts

Programme content

CAT 4 testing

Extended Project Qualification

Exams

Grades for university entry

University Progression

Elite Preparation

Other programmes

Core Pre-university Programmes

Elite University Pathways

Specialist University Pathways

Other programmes

Progression to the UK's Top Universities

Hear from our students

Progression agreements

Subject/Career Guides

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

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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