A high-quality education is still considered the most important investment in a child’s future. Not just any education, but one that provides solid academic knowledge, the ability to apply it in practice, and opens doors to the world’s leading universities.
Today, an increasing number of families are choosing British educational programmes. They represent a global standard of excellence, highly valued by top universities in Europe, the USA, Canada, Asia, and Australia. Graduates of such programmes enjoy a significant advantage during admissions and feel confident navigating the international academic environment.
One of the most prestigious and sought-after British programmes for secondary school students is the A-Level. Upon completion, students receive an internationally recognised certificate, often regarded as a “golden ticket” to top universities. This is the programme currently followed by Years 12 and 13 at the British International School.
In this article, we will explain the meaning of A-Levels, the opportunities it offers, and how we implement it in our school.
A-Level is a secondary education programme designed for students aged 16–18 and developed in the United Kingdom. Many leading universities base their admission decisions on A-Level exam results.
The programme spans two years and focuses on in-depth study of selected subjects. Unlike traditional school curricula, A-Level allows students to concentrate on the subjects most relevant to their future career paths.
Duration: 2 years
Subjects: before starting the programme, students choose four subjects from a comprehensive list, focusing on areas related to their intended field of study. For example, humanities students might focus on literature, history, and languages, while future engineers may choose mathematics, physics, or computer science.
Language of the programme: all courses are taught in English, making advanced English proficiency essential for Russian-speaking students.
Programme levels:
Final assessment methods: Students take exams at the end of each year. Exam results are important: the higher the scores, the better the chances of admission to prestigious universities.
Additional opportunities: In the final year, students may complete an extended research essay on a chosen topic. This project is highly valued in university admissions as it demonstrates readiness for academic coursework and analytical thinking.
The A-Level is a two-year programme. This is an optimal duration that ensures students gain in-depth knowledge without being overwhelmed. The programme can be started immediately after Year 11, with most students enrolling between the ages of 16 and 18.
During the first year, students complete the AS level, build foundational knowledge and obtain a General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary Level. Then they advance to the A2 level, which is more intensive and requires strong focus, as final exam results are a key criterion for progression to university studies.
One of the main advantages of A-Level is freedom of choice. Unlike traditional school programmes, students don’t have to study dozens of subjects just for the sake of it. Instead, they select four subjects that are most relevant to their future career.
Subjects should be selected based on a student’s future goals. For example, those who aim to study medicine must take Chemistry and Biology, while students interested in engineering should focus on Mathematics and Physics. If a student is still unsure about their future path, more versatile subjects such as Mathematics and Economics can provide a solid foundation.
The A-Level programme is designed to guide students in making informed choices and developing the skills most relevant to their intended careers.
Exams are held for each selected subject and are assessed by international examination boards.
- Written tests, tasks of varying complexity or detailed essay-style questions that evaluate both theoretical knowledge and analytical reasoning.
- Practical assessments which are required in certain subjects, such as the natural sciences.
- Grades are awarded on a letter scale from A (highest) to E (minimum passing grade of graduation requirements).
- A “pass” is achieved at grade E or higher.
- In addition to exams, Extended Essays or research projects are considered in the final assessment.
The A-Level program is highly valued by universities worldwide, particularly within the UK higher education system. Admission to British universities is typically conducted through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
Applications must be submitted before the final exams. Universities therefore accept predicted grades initially, with the expectation that students will later confirm their final results meet or exceed those predictions.
UK universities primarily rely on A-Level results as these grades alone are usually sufficient for admission. Universities trust the rigor of A-Level examinations, university entrance exams are generally unnecessary, except for certain programmes like medicine or law.
When applying through UCAS, it is essential to strategically rank preferred universities. Usually, students choose:
- Several “prestigious” universities with high university entrance requirements.
- One or two “safety” options, where admission is more likely.
After reviewing an application, universities may issue conditional offers. This means the student will be admitted if they achieve the specified A-Level grades. For example, a conditional offer can state: “Admission granted if you achieve AAB.”
There are also unconditional offers, which guarantee a place regardless of exam results. These are rare and usually given to students who have already achieved high grades or completed their A-Levels.
Here the main factor is to prepare in advance and develop a clear strategy.
The first step is to understand the student’s interests and strengths. Students should answer questions such as:
Career assessments and consultations with A-Level advisors can be very helpful at this stage.
When choosing universities, pay attention to:
Field of study: Each university has strengths in particular faculties. For example, some excel in engineering, others in business or the humanities.
Rankings and reputation: High positions in global or national rankings often indicate strong teaching quality and valuable connections with employers.
Entry requirements: Each university sets minimum A-Level grades for admission. It is worth checking official university websites in advance to ensure the student meets these requirements.
The best strategy is to make a list of five universities through UCAS, categorized by level of competitiveness:
As mentioned earlier, universities make admission decisions before students take their final exams. To assess admission prospects, schools use a system of predicted grades.
During the first year, students take AS-level exams. These results reflect the student’s academic potential and help predict the grades they are likely to achieve at the A2 level. Based on these AS-level predictions, teachers and the school prepare recommendations, which are submitted to universities along with the UCAS application.
UCAS is a centralised British platform for university applications. It simplifies the admission process: instead of applying separately to each university, students submit one application, which is then sent automatically to their chosen universities.
Through UCAS, students submit:
- Academic information (certificate, AS-level grades, predicted A2 results).
- Personal statement with the reason why a student chooses a particular programme.
- References from teachers.
- Extra documents (for example, portfolios for creative disciplines).
The platform also allows students to track application status and receive notifications of offers from universities.
Early registration increases the chances of admission, as some universities have application limits or early deadlines.
Registration typically opens one year before the start of university. For example, students applying for entry in 2026 would begin registration in September 2025.
Deadlines vary by programmes:
- For most courses, it’s mid-January of the entry year.
- For Medicine, veterinary science, and Oxford/Cambridge, it’s mid-October of the previous year.
Official results are published in August each year. Students receive their grades through the exam board’s online system, and schools assist in interpreting the results and preparing for the next step: university admission.
Universities that issued conditional offers then compare the exam results with the required grades. If the student meets or exceeds the predicted grades, they are formally admitted.
Yes, students have the opportunity to retake A-Level exams if their results are lower than expected.
If the required grades for a chosen university are not achieved, students can:
- Retake the exams the following year.
- Check out programmes with lower entry requirements.
- Use the Clearing system to apply to another university.
Clearing is a special system that allows applicants to secure a university place after A-Level results are published.
If a student does not meet the conditions of their original offer, they can search for universities with available places and submit a new application for an undergraduate program through UCAS.
In short, even if A-Level results fall short of expectations, the British education system provides flexible alternatives through exam retakes or university admission via Clearing.
In some countries, A-Level programmes follow the British curriculum but are adapted to local standards. For example, students may continue studying their native language alongside A-Level subjects.
The quality of teaching and level of preparation may also vary, which is why it is important to choose accredited schools, such as the British International School №7, or other centers that work closely with international examination boards.
Yes, A-Level can be studied online, which is a convenient option for students combining school with intensive preparatory studies, college courses, or those living in regions without schools offering the British curriculum.
However, we recommend traditional in-school programmes, where students benefit from a full educational experience: live lessons, laboratory work, peer interaction, and teamwork.
Most importantly, regardless of study format, the A-Level diploma is equally recognised worldwide.
International qualifications: A-Level diplomas and exam results open doors to top universities in the UK and around the world.
In-depth knowledge and practical skills: The programme goes beyond theory, helping students develop analysis, reasoning, and information-handling skills which are valuable both at university and in future careers.
Focus on chosen subjects: Instead of spreading across many disciplines, students concentrate on just a few, directly linked to their intended field.
Many experts note that, with the right preparation, achieving a high A-Level score can sometimes be more straightforward than with other international programmes.
Early specialisation: Students need to have a general idea of their future academic or career path when selecting subjects.
Recognition limitations: A-Level is widely accepted in the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia, but it is not universal in every country, which should be considered when planning further education.
After completing Year 11, students at the British International School (BIS) may choose to continue their education through the A-Level programme. Our school was among the first in Moscow to introduce A-Level for high school students.
Syllabus flexibility: students study only their chosen subjects.
Experienced teachers: all teachers are native English speakers with extensive experience and credentials in preparing students for international exams.
Comprehensive support: tutors guide students through every stage of university preparation: choosing subjects, developing the right academic focus, writing personal statements, and building a strong portfolio.
In recent years, over 90% of our A-Level graduates have entered leading international universities.
We have built an effective learning system based on international standards, enabling students to master challenging subjects and succeed confidently in exams. In fact, our average A-Level results are consistently above the global average.
By choosing the British International School, you are choosing success and admission to the world’s top universities:
- Over 30 years of proven expertise.
- Highly qualified, native-speaking teachers with international certifications.
- An individual approach to every student.
- Strong academic preparation and support throughout the admissions process.
For more than three decades, the British International School in Moscow has been a trusted guide for students on their journey to new academic heights. Today, we offer the A-Level programme not only at School №7 but also at our Southern Campus. We carefully follow international standards and provide our students with the experience and confidence they need for their next step — university studies.