What is the new A-star grade at A level ?

Q. I’m trying to understand the A level modules and grade system which now operates as my daughter is moving into the sixth form in September – and it’s very different to what I remember from my school days! In particular the A* grade has me very confused – what does it mean?

A. For the first time this summer A2 exams will include an A* for the most highly achieving students. This has coincided with a change in the structure of the A Levels which has included a reduction in the number of modules that are taken and an inclusion of “stretch and challenge” questions to attempt to stretch the most able. To obtain an A* any student will need to achieve 90% average across the two A2 modules as well as an A overall in the A Level including AS, essentially the harder more challenging A2 papers count more towards the grade. This grade was introduced because universities are trying to find a way of identifying the most able candidates in an ever increasing pool of applicants.

So far 13 Universities are known to have included A*s in their offers, most of these offers include only one requirement of an A* although there are some cases where 2 have been asked for. This year 6,000 offers have included the A*. The Universities that have asked for this, have welcomed the introduction of the A* as they feel that it allows them to discriminate between the very good and the excellent candidate. More universities are expected to use the grade in offers next year.

The number of A*s offered across each different subject varies hugely and is a direct reflection upon the calibre of the cohort of students who are entering, therefore it is anticipated that this summer there will be more A*s offered in Greek than in IT.

For more information on the different types of qualifications offered in the sixth form read our Parents’ guide to exams and qualifications .