Which A-level Subjects Should I Take?
Choosing your A-level subjects is one of the most important decisions you will make at this stage of your education. These are the subjects you will study in greater depth over the next two years, and they have the potential to shape your future in significant ways. The A-levels you choose can influence your university options, career path, and even how much you enjoy your time in sixth form or college.
Start with What You Enjoy and What You Are Good At
A simple but powerful rule is this: choose subjects you genuinely enjoy and feel confident studying. You are far more likely to succeed in a subject that you find interesting and engaging. Enjoyment leads to motivation, and motivation leads to consistency and better results.
A-levels are a step up from GCSEs. The content is deeper, the pace is quicker, and the expectations are higher. If you already like a subject and do well in it at GCSE, that is a good sign it might be a strong choice for A-level. Passion and natural ability often go hand in hand, and that combination can carry you through even the more challenging parts of the course.
Think back to your lessons over the past year. Which subjects made you want to learn more? Which ones felt rewarding to work on? These are clues to where your strengths and interests lie.
At Ashbourne, students are encouraged to follow their interests while also receiving tailored guidance from experienced tutors to ensure their choices match their potential. The college’s flexible and supportive approach makes it easier for students to thrive in subjects they truly connect with.
Think About Your Future Goals
If you already have an idea of the career or university course you want to pursue, it is very important to check whether certain A-level subjects are required. Some degrees have essential subject requirements, while others simply prefer certain combinations.
For example, if you are thinking about Medicine, most universities will require Chemistry and often Biology. If you are considering Engineering, then Mathematics and Physics are usually essential. Subjects such as Economics, Law, and Psychology may also benefit from particular A-level combinations, depending on the institution.
Universities often publish their subject requirements on their websites, and resources such as the Russell Group’s “Informed Choices” guide can help clarify which subjects are considered useful for particular degree paths. Your teachers or college advisers can also help you plan strategically based on your ambitions.
If you are aiming high, take the time to research now. It could save you from disappointment later on.
Ashbourne places strong emphasis on university preparation, offering one-to-one UCAS support and helping students select the best A-level subjects to keep competitive pathways open, whether that’s Oxford, Cambridge, or a top London university.
Do Not Choose Subjects Just Because They Sound Impressive
It can be tempting to choose subjects that seem prestigious or impressive on the surface. Subjects like Further Mathematics, History, or Physics might carry a certain reputation for being academically demanding. However, what really matters is how well you perform in the subjects you choose, and how genuinely interested you are in them.
Universities and employers care about your grades, your personal engagement, and your ability to reflect on what you have learned. It is better to achieve high results in subjects you enjoy and can excel in than to struggle through courses that do not suit your strengths just because they sound impressive.
Choose with honesty. You are not trying to impress someone with the title of your subject. You are aiming to build a strong academic foundation that reflects who you are and where you want to go.
Keep Your Options Open If You Are Not Sure
If you do not yet know what you want to study at university, or what kind of career you want to pursue, that is completely okay. Many students are still exploring their interests at this stage, and there is no need to have everything figured out just yet.
It can be helpful to balance creative and analytical subjects or to include one that offers a new perspective or challenge. Think of your A-levels as a toolkit you are building for your future. A balanced toolkit gives you more flexibility when the time comes to make your next choice.
Avoid Choosing a Subject Just Because Someone Else Is Taking It
It can be very tempting to pick a subject because your friends are doing it, or because someone told you it would be easy. While social support is important, A-levels are a personal journey. What works for your friends might not work for you. Choosing a subject for the wrong reason can lead to frustration, low motivation, and unnecessary stress later on.
Ask yourself this: If you were the only person taking this subject, would you still want to do it? If the answer is yes, then you are probably on the right track.
Ask for Advice and Do Your Research
Do not be afraid to ask for guidance. Talk to your teachers. Ask them about your strengths and areas for development. Read through course outlines carefully to understand the kind of work involved in each subject. Look at the topics, the assessment methods, and the type of skills you will be building.
At Ashbourne, students benefit from expert subject tutors. They are well-equipped to advise on course content, expectations, and how different subjects support university and career ambitions.
If possible, speak to older students who have taken the subjects you are considering. Ask what they liked or found difficult, and how the subject has helped them beyond the classroom.
Visiting sixth form open evenings or attending subject taster sessions can also give you a much clearer sense of what each subject is really like in practice.
The more you learn about your options, the more confident you will feel about your final decision.
Bottom Line
There is no one perfect combination of A-levels. The best subjects for you are the ones that align with your interests, support your goals, and give you the best chance to succeed and grow. Your choices should reflect who you are, not who someone else expects you to be.
Take the time to think carefully. Ask questions, seek advice, and trust your instincts. This is not just about what you will study. It is about how you will grow through the experience and how those subjects will help you take the next steps in your life with purpose and confidence.
Your A-level journey is not just about passing exams. It is about discovering what you enjoy, building your strengths, and laying the groundwork for a future that excites you.
1. How do I choose the right A-level subjects?
Start by focusing on subjects you genuinely enjoy and excel in. Passion and ability usually lead to stronger motivation, better results, and a more rewarding sixth form experience.
2. Should I take A-level subjects that sound impressive?
It’s better to choose subjects you enjoy and can excel in, rather than picking ones that sound prestigious. Universities value high grades and genuine interest more than a subject’s reputation.
3. What if I don’t know what I want to study at university?
If you’re unsure, choose a balanced mix of A-levels that keep your options open. Combining creative and analytical subjects can give you flexibility when deciding later on.
4. How many A-levels should I take?
Most students take three A-levels, which is the standard requirement for university. Some ambitious students take four, but only if they can manage the workload effectively.