How You Could Manage A Levels in One Year
The idea of completing A levels in just one year can feel daunting. You might wonder if it’s too much, if you’ll fall behind, or if it’s even realistic to catch up with students who’ve had two full years to prepare.
The truth is, it’s possible, and with the right support, structure, and determination, you can not only keep up but thrive. At Ashbourne, many students have successfully completed intensive one-year A level programmes, turning what felt like a setback into a real advantage.
Getting Clear on Your Why
Before you begin, you’ll need to know why you’re choosing this route. Taking A levels in one year isn’t simply about finishing faster, it’s about focus. Maybe you want a fresh start after disappointing results. Maybe you’ve changed direction and need different subjects for your university course. Or perhaps you’re aiming for a highly competitive degree and know you need to raise your grades quickly.
Whatever your reason, having that clarity will be your motivation when the workload feels intense. At Ashbourne, teachers take time to understand your individual goals at the application stage, so your one-year journey is about much more than just survival, it’s about shaping a path that works for you.
A Tailored Plan from Day One
Trying to squeeze two years of study into one doesn’t mean rushing through textbooks and hoping for the best. At Ashbourne, you begin with a carefully structured plan designed around the demands of the one-year programme.
This includes an accelerated timetable that balances content delivery with time for practice, review, and reflection.
You’ll be in small classes where you can ask questions as often as you need, and teachers will adapt the pace when something needs more attention. Far from being thrown in at the deep end, you’ll find that the structure helps you build knowledge steadily, so you’re always moving forward with confidence.
Outside of lessons, you also have the opportunity to meet with your teachers and attend subject clinics, ensuring you stay on track without feeling overloaded. The focus isn’t on racing, but on mastering content efficiently and applying it effectively.
Mock Weeks: A Game-Changer
One of the most powerful features of Ashbourne’s approach are the mock weeks, held every half term. For one week, you sit exam papers under timed conditions.This isn’t just to test what you know, it’s a chance to identify gaps early, practise managing exam pressure, and refine your strategy. By repeating this process throughout the year, you’ll find that sitting real exams feels familiar, not frightening.
For many students, mock weeks transform how they approach learning. Instead of worrying about what might go wrong, you’ll have a clear sense of what to fix and how to improve. Teachers give direct, detailed feedback after every mock, so you’re not just told what’s wrong, you’re shown how to put it right.
Specialised Programmes for Your Future
Completing A levels in one year isn’t just about passing exams, it’s about preparing for what comes next. At Ashbourne, you’ll have the option to join specialised programmes designed to give you extra preparation and insight into your chosen industry.
If you’re aiming for Medicine, for example, you can take part in the Medical School Programme, which includes guidance on entrance exams, work experience, and mock interviews tailored to medical applications. Students interested in Economics, Business, or Finance can join the Finance Programme, where you’ll gain industry awareness alongside academic preparation. For those pursuing the arts, the Creative Arts Programme helps you build a strong portfolio and develop the creative confidence needed for top university applications.
There are also tailored pathways for the most competitive routes, such as the Oxbridge Programme, where you’ll get advanced academic challenges, practice interviews, and subject-specific mentoring to help you stand out.
These programmes run alongside your A level studies, ensuring that while you’re mastering content in the classroom, you’re also building the skills, knowledge, and experience that universities and employers are looking for. With this kind of preparation, you’re not just ready for exams, you’re ready for your future.
Personal Growth, Not Just Grades
Completing A levels in one year demands more than academic effort. It teaches you discipline, time management, and resilience. You’ll learn how to balance independent study with guided learning, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to recover quickly from setbacks. But crucially, you won’t be left to struggle on your own. Ashbourne’s approach combines independence with structure. You’ll have the freedom to take responsibility, but always within a framework of support that makes the challenge achievable. The result is that you don’t just come out with A level grades, you come out more confident, independent, and prepared for university life. Many students look back and say the one-year A level programme was the turning point in how they saw themselves and what they were capable of achieving.
1. How many A-levels can I take in one year?
Taking A-levels in one year is intensive, as it compresses two years of study into a single academic year. Most students choose between one and three A-levels in one year, depending on their goals, workload, and university requirements. The key is to focus on a manageable number of subjects to ensure strong grades and successful university
applications.
2. What support is available for students doing A-levels in one year?
Students receive one-to-one support from personal tutors, regular feedback from teachers, and guidance through structured study plans. This combination helps them stay motivated and address challenges early.
3. How will predicted grades for UCAS work if I were to take my A-levels in one year?
If you take your A-levels in one year, your teachers will still provide predicted grades for UCAS based on your early progress, assessments, and mock exams. Even though the teaching period is shorter, universities understand the structure of one-year A level programmes and treat predicted grades in the same way as for two-year students. At Ashbourne College, regular testing and mock weeks give teachers reliable evidence to support accurate and ambitious UCAS predictions
4. How does completing A-levels in one year benefit university applications?
Completing A-levels in one year demonstrates resilience, focus, and determination — qualities valued by universities. It also shows the ability to manage time and succeed under pressure.