What GCSE or IGCSE Grades Do You Need for A Levels?

There's no single national requirement: each school or sixth form sets its own. Most ask for five or more GCSEs or IGCSEs at grade 4/C or above, plus a 6 or 7 (B or A) in each subject you want to take at A Level. Exam boards add guidance too: Cambridge recommends that A Level Mathematics students have completed maths "equivalent to Cambridge IGCSE (Extended)" (Cambridge International, 2026).

This guide sets out typical requirements, subject by subject, and what to do if you fall short.

Key Takeaways

• Sixth forms set their own entry rules; check each one you're considering.
• A common baseline is five GCSEs or IGCSEs at 4/C or above, including English and Maths.
• Subjects you continue usually need a 6 or 7 (B or A).
• Maths, sciences and Economics at A Level all lean on a strong Maths grade.

What Grades Do Sixth Forms Usually Ask For?

Most sixth forms ask for a baseline of five or more passes at 4/C or above, including English and Maths, and higher grades in the subjects you'll continue. English and Maths matter for another reason: in England, students without grade 4 in both must keep studying them after 16 (Department for Education, 2026).

International schools set similar rules. A C in Cambridge IGCSE is treated like a 4, and an A like a 7, because the scales share those anchor points (Cambridge International, 2026). See GCSE and IGCSE grades explained.

What Grades Do You Need in Each Subject?

Requirements vary, but this table shows what's typical, alongside what Cambridge International recommends before its A Levels.

Sources: Cambridge International syllabuses for Mathematics 9709, Further Mathematics 9231, Physics 9702, Chemistry 9701, Biology 9700 and Economics 9708. Typical grades are common sixth form requirements; check your own.

Can You Take an A Level You Didn't Study at GCSE?

Yes, for some subjects. A Levels such as Psychology, Sociology, Law and Economics don't need the same GCSE. For Economics, Cambridge's recommended prior learning is Extended-tier IGCSE Mathematics, not IGCSE Economics (Cambridge International, 2026).

Sixth forms usually ask for a related grade instead, such as English for essay subjects or Maths for Economics and Psychology.

Entry requirements are a floor, not a forecast. Students who scrape the minimum grade often find the jump to A Level hardest. In Cambridge's June 2026 results, the share of A or A\* grades fell from 44.5% at IGCSE Physics to 33.1% at A Level Physics (Cambridge International, 2026; Cambridge International, 2026). Aim above the minimum in the subjects you'll continue.

What If You Miss the Grade?

Talk to the sixth form straight away. Many are flexible for near misses, especially if your other grades are strong or your teacher supports you. If you've missed a Maths or English grade, you may need to resit; see GCSE and IGCSE results day 2027 for options.

If you're taking a subject at A Level with a weaker foundation, use the summer to close gaps. Our guide on moving from IGCSE to A Level explains how.

Each year we support students who start A Level Maths or Chemistry after missing the target grade by one. With a structured summer of work on the weakest topics, most catch up by the first half-term. The key is to start before term, not after the first bad test.

Want Help Moving Up to A Level?

Our tutors combine top recent A Level graduates and qualified teachers and examiners, and help students close gaps between GCSE or IGCSE and A Level.

Submit an application and we'll match you with a tutor for your subjects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What GCSE grade do you need for A Level Maths?

Usually a 7 (A) on the Higher or Extended tier, and some sixth forms ask for an 8. Cambridge recommends completing maths "equivalent to Cambridge IGCSE (Extended)" before A Level Mathematics (Cambridge International, 2026).

Can you do A Level sciences with combined science?

Usually, yes, often with a grade of 6–6 or 7–7. Cambridge explicitly recommends "Biology or Co-ordinated Science equivalent to Cambridge IGCSE" for A Level Biology (Cambridge International, 2026). See triple vs combined science.

Do universities look at GCSE grades?

Yes, especially English and Maths. UCL asks every applicant for grade 5 or above in English Language and Mathematics (UCL, 2026), and competitive courses look at your whole GCSE profile.

The Bottom Line

• Each sixth form sets its own entry requirements.
• Typical: five passes at 4/C+, with 6–7 in subjects you continue.
• A strong Maths grade supports Maths, sciences and Economics.
• Aim above the minimum: the jump to A Level is real.

Next, read our guide on how to choose A Level subjects.