Deciding whether to take three or four A level subjects in year 12 is a big decision and one, which requires careful consideration. The choice depends on what will work best for each student and there are a number of factors to reflect upon either way. For students at some schools, the decision will be taken out of their hands as they might only be permitted to take three subjects or alternatively they might be required by the school to take four. For those students who do have a choice to make, however, this article will explore the differences between taking three or starting four A levels in year 12 to help students decide which route might suit them best. Once you have decided how many to take, our article about choosing the right A level subjects is a good next stop.

Taking three subjects in year 12

One of the most obvious advantages of taking three A level subjects in year 12 is the reduced workload that students will face in comparison to their peers taking four. This will benefit those students who do not have a lot of time. Students with extensive extra-curricular commitments or those who would like to work towards an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) might find it easier to balance these commitments against three subjects as opposed to four. Students who have organised work experience alongside their studies in year 12 might welcome the opportunity to conduct this in time that would otherwise be spent studying towards the fourth AS. Some subjects are very time-consuming and have extensive coursework requirements (Art and Photography, for example, will both require students to spend many hours on the practical aspect of the syllabus). Students whose subject choices include these might opt to reduce their choices to three in order to manage their workload effectively.

Students who are concerned about their ability to do themselves justice academically may also opt for three rather than four subjects. Taking only three subjects will allow students to focus a lot of energy on these and might enable them to leave school with three qualifications they are proud of rather than feeling as though, with their energy spread across more subjects, they did not achieve their potential. Students who are concerned about their ability to study A levels, however, should decide how many to take in consultation with a tutor or advisor from their school to ensure that taking A levels is the most appropriate academic path for them; there are many other routes available after GCSEs.

The reduced workload of three subjects should only be given credit in the decision making process by those students who will genuinely benefit from taking fewer subjects. Although students may be tempted by the term “reduced workload” and see it as an easier path, taking four subjects is both common and feasible so simply removing one for the sake of it is not advised. There are significant benefits to taking four subjects so students would do well to consider both sides of the argument and make an informed decision about what would suit them best.

Taking four A level subjects in year 12

One of the main advantages of taking four subjects is the flexibility that this affords students. There are big differences between subject specifications at GCSE and A level, so students who have very much enjoyed a subject at GCSE might not continue to feel this level of passion for it at A level. Taking four subjects allows students to make a decision a year later about which subject to drop and which three to take in full.

Another reason why flexibility is important is when it comes to meeting university entry requirements. It is normal for students at age 16 to be unsure about what degree (if any) they would like to read. It is also normal for students to have decided on a degree course at age 16 and change their mind about this over the course of the next two years. The entry requirements for many degree courses include specific subjects and so choosing four A level subjects initially will allow students at age 17 to reassess their options and decide which three to carry forward to meet these requirements in the future.

A second point to note in terms of university entry requirements is that some universities do require a fourth AS level as part of their offer. Although this is rare (and usually required only by top tier institutions) it does happen, so students who already have an idea of where they want to go should check this in advance on university websites. Those who are undecided on their future university destination might elect to take a fourth AS level to give them more choice when they do come to apply, rather than effectively ruling themselves out from applying to some institutions by not meeting entry criteria from the outset. It should be noted that university admissions tutors will take into consideration whether schools and colleges restrict AS level choices. Those students coming from schools where they are not permitted to take a fourth AS level due to timetabling constraints should make this clear as part of their application process to those universities and should not be disadvantaged. It is also likely that as the reform progresses that this requirement will be withdrawn.

A final reason to take four A level subjects in year 12 is that it allows for some contingency if examinations do not go as planned. Although of course students should enter year 12 expecting to succeed, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry, as the saying goes. Taking four subjects will allow for adjustment in light of this and students may decide to drop their weakest subject in favour of continuing with the three they had achieved higher grades in, even if they had planned for a different combination of A levels prior to results day. If students have only taken three subjects in year 12 and they underperform in one, then progressing into year 13 might be more difficult, depending on the level of underperformance and the retake/transfer opportunities at their school.