Taking A Levels as a mature student

In the UK, A Levels are a gateway into the majority of job roles, apprenticeships, and university places. As a result, many former students who didn’t complete their A Levels end up studying them later in life!

A record number of mature students are expected to enrol in A Level courses. Whether you’re looking to move on to university, start a new career, or complete a lifelong goal, it’s never too late to start.

Today, we’ll explore how to take A Levels as an adult, and hopefully answer any questions you may have about being a mature A Level student.

Table of Contents

• A Levels and Mature Students
• Do A Levels have an Age Limit?
• Pros and Cons of Studying A Levels as a Mature Student
• Exam Booking, Centres & Costs
• Which A Levels Should I Study?
• Science Practical Endorsement (Biology, Chemistry & Physics)
• Funding & Payment Options for Adult Learners
• Studying A Levels Online
• Career Prospects for Mature A Level Students
• Conclusion

A Levels and Mature Students

Nicknamed A Levels, Advanced Level Qualifications are rigorous and respected pre-university courses studied worldwide. The average A Level student is between the ages of 16 and 18, but older students are welcome to enrol too. Usually, students who are older than 19 are referred to as mature students. Mature students are often highly valued by colleges and universities, as they bring a wealth of life experience to the classroom. They also have a great reputation for being more focused on their academic goals than their younger peers!

Do A Levels have an Age Limit?

One of the most common questions mature students have is whether there’s an age limit for taking A Levels. The good news is that there’s no official age limit, whether you’re 30, 50, or beyond, you can absolutely pursue A Levels. A good educational institution values diversity in their students, and the unique perspectives mature students bring to the course are no exception.

Pros and Cons of Studying A Levels as a Mature Student

Many mature A Level students find that the courses are easier to study as adults, but that’s not to say they don’t have their advantages and challenges. Some of the pros of studying A Levels later in life are:

• Life Experience: Mature students often have a few more notches on their belt than their younger peers, and have a better grasp on time management, self-discipline, and problem-solving skills.
• Career Enhancement: A Levels can open up a wealth of new career opportunities and help you climb the professional ladder.
• Personal Fulfilment: It’s a chance for you to explore your interests, and achieve a personal goal.

On the flip side, as an adult you may have more responsibilities than younger A Level students, such as juggling work, family, and your academic commitments. There are ways to study A Levels alongside your busy lifestyle, rather than enrolling on a traditional classroom-based course. A few learning providers have decided to make A Levels accessible to students regardless of their home situation and lifestyle, by allowing them to study online and take their exams at official exam centres.

Exam Booking, Centres & Costs

If you study A Levels online, your exams are booked separately as a private candidate at an approved exam centre. Centres set their own fees (often charged per paper) and booking deadlines, so costs can vary. It’s important to check dates early (autumn and late winter deadlines are common) and confirm any access arrangements you may need (e.g., extra time), as these require evidence and advance approval. If you’re unsure where to sit your exams, our team can help you understand the process via our contact page.

Which A Levels Should I Study?

Choosing the right A Levels for you is a crucial decision! It’s important to select subjects that match your interests and career aspirations. If you’re thinking of attending university, it’s a good idea to research the entry requirements of your ideal course. Most universities publish their entry requirements and will specify which A Levels and marks they’re looking for. Also, consider the subjects you enjoyed or did well in during school. Popular A Level choices for mature students include English, Maths, Science, and History. However, there’s a wide range of choice on offer.

Science Practical Endorsement (Biology, Chemistry & Physics)

If you’re taking Biology, Chemistry, or Physics, you’ll need to plan for the separate practical endorsement. This is assessed by approved centres and reported as a pass alongside your exam grade. Not every exam centre offers practicals, so you should confirm availability, dates and fees well in advance to avoid delays to your university applications.

Funding & Payment Options for Adult Learners

Unlike 16–18 study, most adults will self-fund A Levels. To make study more manageable, many learners spread costs with instalments, seek employer sponsorship (especially where the subject supports their role), or compare local college options that may have funded places on specific programmes. We offer flexible payment options across our A Level courses – if you’d like to discuss what’s possible, please get in touch via our message box.

Studying A Levels Online

Many mature students opt to study online A Level courses, which offer them flexibility and accessibility. Distance learning allows you to balance your studies with your existing commitments, and often results in a less stressful learning experience.

Association of Learning have helped countless A Level students achieve their goals online, by matching them with exam expert personal tutors, and allowing them to study at their own pace. From Biology to Business Studies, you can now earn the qualifications you need to, without having to attend classes. All of our A Level courses follow the exact same curriculum as those studied in traditional colleges, so you know you’re achieving the same qualification. Gain 56 UCAS points per A Level that you can use to gain entry to university, or put towards other qualifications and apprenticeships.

Career Prospects for Mature A Level Students

The career prospects for adults with A Levels are far better than those without. You’ll have the opportunity to access higher education, gain new qualifications, and open doors to better job opportunities. Employers often value the dedication and determination mature students demonstrate by studying A Levels later in life.

Conclusion

Taking A Levels as a mature student has never been easier! There’s no age limit to learning and bettering yourself. A Levels can provide personal fulfilment, career enhancement, and a brighter future. So, whether you’re 35, 65, or 105, remember that it’s never too late to chase your educational dreams and broaden your horizons.

To learn more about our online A Level courses, check out our A Level page.

If you’d like to reach out to us with any questions, feel free to use our message box, or call our helpful team at 0333 344 2126.

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To explore other online learning opportunities, follow this link to our course catalogue.