AS vs A-level: do people still take AS?

If you’re returning to education after a long time away, you might be surprised to find the A-Level landscape looks a lot different. 

Since the major educational reforms of 2017, the system has undergone significant changes. Many students have been left asking the same question: Do AS Levels even exist in 2025? The short answer is: Yes, they do.

But the way they work and how they connect to A-Levels have changed. Many secondary schools and colleges across the UK have stopped offering AS Levels to assist with administrative tasks (e.g., timetable planning). 

At Distance Learning Centre, we believe that AS Levels are still an excellent tool for distance learners and private candidates. But are they right for you? Find out here! 

What is an A-Level? 

An A-Level (Advanced Level) is a subject-based qualification that opens doors to university in the UK. Sitting at Level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework, it acts as the bridge between GCSEs and degree-level study. 

While traditional school students typically study them over two years in a college setting, the qualification is defined by the depth of knowledge you master (rather than where or how long you study). 

For students of Distance Learning Centre, this means A-Levels are fully flexible: you can be an adult learner returning to education or a home-educator who earns the same nationally recognised qualification, just on a timeline that fits. 

The core components are the subject content you’re expected to learn (as defined by the specification) and the assessments used to measure that learning. You receive a single overall grade, A* (highest) down to E (lowest pass), with an ungraded result below that.

What A-level subjects can you study?

If you were studying at a traditional college, your choices would be limited by timetable blocks, meaning you often can't study two subjects simply because their lessons happen at the same time. 

But with distance learning, those restrictions vanish. You can choose the exact combination of subjects that interests you with no logistical compromises. As an example of the kinds of subjects you can study at A-Level, here’s what our range includes: 

What do you need to study A-levels?

If you check the prospectus of a local Sixth Form college, you will likely see a strict list of prerequisites (usually five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, with higher grades required for the specific subjects you want to continue).

At the Distance Learning Centre, we take a different approach. We believe education should be open to everyone, which is why we generally have no formal entry requirements for our A-Level courses.

Although there are no administrative barriers, prospective students must consider the practical academic reality: we do recommend holding GCSEs (or equivalent) in the subject you want to study and a solid level of written English. 

How do A-levels work?

A-Levels work on a linear structure, which means you cover all the course content over a period of one to two years, but you are only assessed at the very end of the course during the official summer exam series (typically May and June). 

What is an AS-Level? 

An AS-Level (Advanced Subsidiary) is a standalone qualification that sits at the same academic standard (Level 3) as a full A-Level, but covers approximately half the content.

Historically, this served as the halfway milestone that contributed 50% to your final A-Level grade, but following major educational reforms, the two qualifications have been completely ‘decoupled’. But what does this mean? 

Although an AS-Level generally covers the syllabus of the first year of an A-Level course, it’s now a separate certificate: the marks you gain here don’t carry over or count towards the final grade of a full A-Level.

What AS subjects can you study?

We focus our AS-Level range on the core academic subjects. These are the most popular choices for students who want to test the waters before committing to a full two-year A-Level: 

What do you need to study AS levels?

Just like our full A-Level courses, our AS-Level qualifications have no formal entry requirements. 

Distance Learning is an ideal route for mature students or those who didn't get the grades they hoped for at school. We believe your past academic history shouldn't dictate your future opportunities.

How do AS levels work?

Just like with A-Levels, AS qualifications follow a linear structure: instead of taking module exams throughout the year, you will learn the entire syllabus first and then sit all your exams at the end of your course, typically in the May/June exam series. 

Take an AS-Level or A-Level course with Distance Learning Centre! 

Ultimately, the choice between an AS and a full A-Level comes down to two main factors: your personal goals and the amount of time you have. 

Are you looking to secure a standalone qualification for your CV, or need a specific number of UCAS points to get over the line for a university course? In these cases (and many others), AS-Levels are a very manageable solution. 

On the other hand, if you’re aiming for high-entry degree courses, A-Levels are still the gold standard. Whichever route you choose, studying with Distance Learning Centre means you don’t have to sacrifice your lifestyle to further your education. Are you ready to start your journey? Contact us today.