Short for ‘Advanced Level Qualifications’, A Levels are subject-based qualifications that lead to university study, further training or employment. They are usually taken by students aged 16 – 18 and are offered by schools and colleges both in the UK and internationally.

Students normally sit three or four subjects that they enjoy and are good at. Each subject has five hours of teaching per week. Class sizes are kept small so that you get the teaching you need to succeed.

A Levels are recognised and respected by universities around the globe. GES A Level graduates have gained places at leading universities worldwide, including in the UK, Switzerland, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, Spain, USA, Canada, Australia, Mexico and South Africa.

If you know what you would like to study at university, it is worth checking out entrance requirements for different courses. Some popular courses and universities will specify the subjects you should study. Please do ask our admissions team for advice on this if you need it, we would be delighted to help you make the right choice.

For an overview of all subjects, please check out the Subject Summary page or explore the individual subject pages and decide which to study at A Level:

Art and Design,  Biology,  Chemistry,  Computer Science, Economics,  English Literature,  French,  German,  Geography,  History,  Mathematics,  Further Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Sociology and Spanish.

Students normally study three or four A Levels over the course of two years. The A Levels are assessed via a series of examinations and are graded A* – E. University offers are usually based on three A Levels. Alongside their A Levels, students may study other subjects and take other courses (e.g. languages), some of which may be examined.

Unlike other post-16 programmes of education such as the International Baccalaureate, French Baccalauréat or Swiss Maturité, there are no subject specific requirements for A Levels. This means that you are free to choose the subjects that you enjoy, that interest you the most, and in which you are most likely to succeed. In making your choices, you may be guided by the requirements for certain university degree courses or career paths. We can provide help and advice in making your choices.

There is considerable flexibility to cater for the needs and interests of individuals. For example, for some students it may be appropriate to start the programme with three A Level subjects rather than four. Others may wish to pursue four subjects to the end of the second year and so finish with four A Level qualifications. This may be advantageous for certain university degree courses.

Given our central location within Europe, GES is keen to see our pupils take full advantage of the benefits of our multilingual environment. The ability to speak a second language to a recognised standard gives you a significant competitive edge in your future career choices. It opens doors across the world. 

A B2 language qualification enables application to universities in Switzerland, France or Germany if appropriate grades are achieved. GES A Level students can achieve a language qualification in two different ways:

• Choosing a language as one of your A level choices; 
• Taking optional lessons to achieve a B2 language qualification in French.

The Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is an opportunity to give recognition and value to your achievements and experiences outside the classroom. It enables you to develop new skills, be physically active, contribute to your community and experience real adventures.

It is an excellent qualification to encourage breadth of experience and is highly valued across the world.

• 2 year course
• Gold standard is expected
• Outward-bound expeditions
• Physical recreation skills
• Voluntary service

You will be part of a small tutor group with a dedicated teacher as your form tutor. Your tutor takes an interest in your academic progress, your activities and projects, and in your general happiness and welfare. This is also the person to whom you should turn whenever you have a concern or need some advice. Your tutor will be the first point of contact between the School and your parents/carers.

In addition, your subject teachers will always be on hand to offer help and advice, and there is a School Counsellor who can be spoken to in confidence.

Careers guidance and university advice are available from the teaching staff, senior leadership team and external experts. We will provide you with the help you need to prepare for any aptitude or other special tests for university entry (e.g. SATs for universities in the USA).

Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic Education

An integral part of the A Level curriculum, this course is taught over five full-day workshops across each year and includes opportunities to discuss:

• well-being and relationships, 
• mental and physical health, 
• financial literacy, 
• university application,
• the move from school to university, 
• living away from home.

You will be our eldest year groups and as such will be treated like young adults. We will expect you to be role models to the rest of the school. While all students are expected to be in school during school hourse from 8:30 to 15:30 regardless of their timetable, you will be allowed off site during lunch and will have your own dining area away from younger students. As Year 12 and 13 students have independent study sessions built into their weekly schedules, you will have access to two exclusive study rooms when you are not attending lessons.

At GES, we pride ourselves on having a respectful, family atmosphere in which everyone plays their part and feels at home. As a student in Years 12 and 13, you will be a leader and senior member of that family, mixing with others in your year group but also working with students of all ages.

Choose GES for:

• Fantastic teachers – all highly qualified subject specialists who communicate with passion and inspire their pupils
• Modern teaching methods – pupil-centred, active and engaging, encouraging confidence and independence of thought
• Flexibility and individual attention – respectful school community in which everyone is known and valued
• Robust academic programme – regular assessment, constructive feedback and accessible support from teachers
• Outstanding results – 99% pass rate, over two thirds or entries awarded A*-A, successful entry to top universities, e.g. Cambridge
• Bespoke university and careers guidance – starting in Year 12, individual advice and support with university applications worldwide

If you are taking GCSEs and/or IGCSEs at the age of 16, GES will normally require you to get at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 5. In addition, we recommend that you should have at least a grade 6 in the subjects that you want to study at A Level.

If you are not taking GCSEs, you will be required to reach an equivalent standard in assessments taken at the end of Year 11 (age 16). Previous school reports will be required during the application processed.

We accept applications, for our A Level Programme throughout the year via our online application form.

You will be asked for:

• Preference for the subjects you would like to study;
• Your most recent school report and, where relevant, projected GCSE grades.

We will then ask you to attend an interview with a member of staff to check your suitability for the courses requested. This may include a written exam.