Setting out for Success: How to Choose the Right A Levels 

Joining Sixth Form and embarking on A Level study is a significant step in any student’s education journey and it begins with the first choice they make: subject options. Whilst this is an exciting opportunity for students to focus in on the subjects that they’re passionate about, many come face-to-face with one standout question: ‘how do I choose the right A Levels?’ 

Where to begin? 

Before making any decisions, understanding the range of options available is key. At Loughborough Grammar School, most students take three A Levels, although some do opt to study four, and can choose from 27 different subjects. At A Level, a selection of these choices are taught as co-educational subjects alongside the girls from Loughborough High School, broadening perspectives, extending staff expertise and offering a wide range of opportunities to students. 

Key Considerations 

A good place for students to start when choosing what A Levels to take is to reflect upon the GCSE experience so far, from the subjects they find most engaging to the ones that they’re achieving the best results in, as this is a good indicator of future potential for success. Our subject specialists are also available to tell students more about what topics their A Level courses include and how they are assessed.  

Tutors support pupils from as early as Year 7 to understand and evaluate their skillset, ensuring boys have a clear idea of how they learn best and the subjects they’re suited to when it comes to making A Level decisions.  

Subject combination is an important part of choosing the right A Level courses and being strategic about selection can be influential in keeping a wide range of university courses open when it comes to thinking about higher education. Considering complementary subjects can help to illustrate a well-rounded academic profile whilst a balanced selection creates a manageable yet appropriately challenging timetable. 

Other key considerations include thinking further ahead to university and beyond as some courses list specific entry requirements or subject combinations as an essential for enrolment. This is often typical of degrees in Medicine, Engineering, Modern Languages and Computer Science, for example, to ensure that students have the correct level of knowledge to be successful. 

“The crux of choosing A Level subjects is: pick what you enjoy and what you excel at. Follow your passion. Don’t pick something because you feel you need it for a certain career, or because your friends are doing it. Every boy in Year 11 has an individual meeting with someone in the sixth form team after mock examinations to make sure they are picking sensibly: to their strengths and not restricting their Higher Education options by choosing the wrong combination of subjects. This is followed up at the start of Year 12 to ensure the right choices were made.” 

Mr Ben Körösi, Sixth Form Coordinator 

Visit our Sixth Form Open Evening  

Attending a Sixth Form Open Evening provides a good opportunity for students and parents to understand exactly what’s on offer and speak to subject specialists about each course. Asking in-depth questions about the topics that are covered, as well as the learning structure of the course, can help to narrow down choice.  

At Loughborough Grammar School, the evening also gives an insight into the teaching that goes beyond the classroom. From finding out more about personal development opportunities to the trips available and the wide range of co-curricular opportunities on offer, our Open Evening showcases everything that goes into making Sixth Form an enjoyable, engaging and character-building experience.