What are GCEs?

• GCE (General Certificate of Education) qualifications are also known as A levels, which stands for Advanced level.
    
• They are mostly taken in school sixth forms or at college by 16- to 19-year old students, but they can be taken by students at any age.
    
• They are usually taken at the end of a two-year course of study, but may be delivered in one year.
    
• GCEs are at Level 3 in the National Qualifications Framework, and carry Ucas points.
    
• They are the main entry requirements for progression to higher education, and are also required for some jobs.
    
• GCEs are currently being redeveloped. Find out more about the new GCEs for first teaching from September 2008 here.
  
  

What choices are available?

• There’s a wide range of subject areas to choose from at GCE.
    
• AS (Advanced Subsidiary) is the first half of an A level, and is also a qualification in its own right. 
    
• A2 is the second half of an A level qualification, and is a progression from AS. 
    
• GCEs in Applied subjects, also known as vocational GCEs, are work-related qualifications that involve the study of an industry sector and are designed to develop the relevant skills for a specific field of employment. They may be offered as single or double awards (equivalent to two GCEs).
  
  

How are GCEs assessed?

• The existing GCEs are assessed by written examination and by coursework. For most A levels, coursework makes up 20 to 30% of the marks.
    
• The existing GCEs are made up of six units. Students usually take three AS units in the first year, followed by three further A2 units.
    
• Most of the new GCEs from September 2008 have a four-unit structure.
    
• Units are graded from A to U. The new GCEs are graded from A* to E. (A* grades will not be awarded at AS level because the more challenging material is only introduced at A2).

   
Visit the GCE area of the website for more information.