When you hear A-level grading system, the UK’s main qualification for university entry, used by students aged 16 to 18 to prove their academic readiness. It’s not just about getting an A*—it’s about how those grades connect to your next steps. The system runs from A* to E, with U (ungraded) below that. You don’t need all A*s to get into a good university. Many schools and courses care more about how your grades match their specific entry requirements. For example, a top university might ask for A*AA in three subjects, while others accept BBB. It’s not a race to perfect scores—it’s a match to your goals.
What you might not realize is that the UCAS points, a standardized way to turn A-level grades into numbers universities use to compare applicants are just one part of the picture. Your grades matter, but so does the subject mix. Taking facilitating subjects like Maths, English, Sciences, or History can open more doors than easier ones. And if you’re aiming for competitive courses like Medicine or Engineering, your grades need to be strong—but so does your personal statement and extracurricular proof of interest. The UK education, the system that guides students from GCSEs to degrees, with A-levels as the critical bridge doesn’t reward perfection. It rewards consistency, relevance, and effort.
Many students stress over getting that A*, but the truth is, most universities don’t require it. A 2023 UCAS report showed that over 60% of offers were made to applicants with AAB or lower. Even top schools like Manchester or Bristol regularly accept students with ABB. What matters is whether your grades fit the course, not whether they’re the highest possible. And if you’re worried about your grades? There are pathways—foundation years, access courses, or retakes—that can still get you where you want to go. The A-level grading system isn’t a wall. It’s a ladder, and there’s more than one way to climb it.
Below, you’ll find real advice from students and educators who’ve navigated this system. Whether you’re wondering if your grades are good enough, how to pick subjects that count, or what to do if you didn’t hit your target, the posts here give you straight answers—no fluff, no hype, just what works.
A-levels don't use GPA, so there's no exact number of B's that equals a 3.8 GPA. Learn how US universities convert A-level grades and what actually matters for admissions.
More