A Levels are the national UK school leaving examinations and lead to all UK universities and most international institutions. Students will normally take 3 or 4 subjects of their choice, but it is important to consider which degree courses each subjection can lead to. The A Level course is normally two years in duration starting in September, but there are fast-track options of one year and 1.5 years (starting in January). Students should be 16 when to start A levels.

GCSEs are the UK state exams which must be taken by all 16 years olds, and are a requirement to begin an IB, A level, or University Foundation Course. Students take between 5 and 11 subjects and these should be chosen carefully as they are a pre-requisite for entry onto an IB or A level course. GCSEs are normally taken over two years and start in September when students are 14, but they are also fast-track programmes which can be taken in one year.