A Levels: Depth & Specialism
A Levels are among the UK’s most respected qualifications – but it is the environment in which they are studied, and the breadth of opportunities that surround them, that truly sets the experience apart.
This is your opportunity to explore areas of real interest, develop deep expertise, and prepare for university-level study.
At Charterhouse, our A Level programme offers far more than academic specialism. It’s a carefully curated Sixth Form experience that combines intellectual focus with personal growth, giving you the freedom to dive deeply into your chosen subjects.
You will have the freedom to select subject combinations that align with your academic passions and future goals, allowing you to build a programme that is both personally meaningful and intellectually ambitious.
But what happens beyond the classroom matters just as much. Sixth Form life at Charterhouse is rich in opportunity. You will be encouraged to try everything, from music, drama and sport to entrepreneurship, outdoor education, and leadership. Through this, you will develop your creativity, act independently, and contribute meaningfully to a vibrant school community. You will be encouraged to explore new interests and develop the wider skills that shape confident, capable young adults.
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Almost all universities typically base their offers on three A Levels. As such, our standard three A Level pathway offers excellent preparation for competitive applications.
Importantly, it also provides the opportunity to broaden each pupil's academic interests and transferable skills -both of which are vital.
Pupils considering four A Levels may wish to explore the IB Diploma Programme instead. Its breadth, academic rigour and global perspective make it an outstanding choice for ambitious learners seeking a truly comprehensive education.
Simon allen, Assistant Head, Sixth form
A Levels in Detail
Pathway one: 3 A Levels + EPQ + Electives
This is the route that almost all pupils opting to study A-Levels at Charterhouse will take.
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Three A Levels form the core of your academic programme.
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The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is completed in the first year of Sixth Form and is equivalent to half an A Level. It develops advanced research and independent learning skills, and is very well regarded by universities as ideal preparation for higher academic study.
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Academic Electives allow you to explore ideas and interests beyond your examined subjects, encouraging intellectual curiosity and breadth.
Pathway two: 4 A Levels
A more specialised option, typically only available to those pupils choosing to study Further Mathematics alongside three other subjects.
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No EPQ or Electives are possible in this route.
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Pupils following this pathway may also opt to complete an extended essay independently, outside of timetable commitments.
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The decision to select four A Levels should be made in close consultation with the School's academic team.
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If you are considering studying four A-Levels to keep a broader subject mix, the IB Diploma Programme is very likely to be a better option to consider, given its global reputation for developing critical thinking, innovation, creativity, and global perspective.
The Extended Project Qualification
The EPQ is a unique opportunity for pupils to explore a topic of personal interest in real depth, producing a university-style research project that is entirely self-directed and intellectually ambitious.
It sits alongside A Level study as a half qualification (worth up to 28 UCAS points), It is a formative experience that builds the skills most valued by universities and employers alike.
The EPQ develops academic behaviours that go far beyond the classroom. Pupils learn how to:
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Think critically and work independently
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Manage long-term projects with professionalism
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Reference and evaluate academic sources
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Write in a formal, structured and analytical style
These are precisely the skills universities expect of undergraduates, and pupils who complete the EPQ often find themselves ahead of their peers when they arrive at university.
In a competitive field of applicants, a well-executed EPQ can set a pupil apart and providi an ideal talking point for personal statements and interviews.
The EPQ gave me a head start! When I got to university, I already knew how to structure essays, use referencing software and approach a reading list. The EPQ taught me how to begin thinking like a researcher.
JOSH, OC, now studying at Exeter University
Academic Electives
Our Academic Electives programme gives pupils the freedom to explore ideas beyond their A Level subjects - extending their thinking, sharpening their skills, and discovering new interests along the way.
Electives are non-examined and take place mostly in the first year of Sixth Form.
Designed to stretch and inspire, Elective options vary each year, with the following giving you some examples of the courses available:
Pupils learn to question, to create, and to connect ideas across disciplines, helping to build confidence, curiosity, and a genuine love of learning. These electives offer more than enrichment: they help shape adaptable, forward-thinking learners who are ready to thrive at university and beyond.
