Worried your online A Level won’t “count”? Here’s what you need to know.

If you’re thinking about studying A Levels online, it’s natural to wonder whether your qualification will be accepted by universities and employers. With so many providers and mixed information online, this is one of the most important questions to get clear before you enrol.

Let’s break it down simply.

What does “recognised” mean?

When people ask if an A Level is recognised, they usually mean:

• Is the qualification accepted by UK universities (including UCAS)?
• Will employers treat it the same as an A Level taken at school or college?
• Is it a “real” qualification, not just a certificate from a private company?

The key point: the recognition comes from the exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) and the Ofqual-regulated certificate you receive — not from the course provider itself.

Are online A Levels “real” A Levels?

Yes — if you sit your exams with a recognised UK exam board.

Online A Levels follow the same syllabus as school-based ones. When you pass your exams, you receive the same official certificate. It makes no mention of how or where you studied.

Be cautious: If a provider only offers its own certificate and no route to sit exams with AQA, Edexcel, or OCR, the qualification is not recognised.

Do universities accept online A Levels?

Yes — all UK universities, including Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions, accept online A Levels as long as they’re awarded by a UK exam board and appear on UCAS.

• They earn the same UCAS points as school-based A Levels.
• Applications are treated the same as any other student.
• Competitive courses (e.g. Medicine) may require extra assessments or endorsements.

Universities look at your grade and subject, not where or how you studied.

Do employers accept online A Levels?

Yes — employers see them as identical to school A Levels.

• Certificates don’t show whether you studied online or in school.
• Employers often value the independence and self-discipline needed for online study.

What should you check before enrolling?

• Course aligns with an Ofqual-regulated syllabus (AQA, Edexcel, OCR).
• You’ll sit exams at an approved centre as a private candidate.
• The end result is a full A Level certificate from the exam board.
• Provider is transparent about exam booking and costs.

Red flags: No mention of exam boards, only “course completion” certificates, or no path to UCAS points.

Are Study from Home A Levels recognised?

Yes! Our A Level courses prepare you for Ofqual-regulated exams with AQA and Edexcel. Once you pass, your certificate is identical to one earned at a traditional school.

• Accepted by all UK universities and employers.
• Earns full UCAS points.
• No difference in recognition compared with school A Levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online A Levels the same as school A Levels?

Yes — provided you sit exams with a UK exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). The certificate is identical.

Do universities accept online A Levels?

Yes — all UK universities accept them if they’re Ofqual-regulated and on UCAS.

Do employers value online A Levels?

Yes — employers see them as equivalent. Many also value the independence shown by online learners.

How do I avoid unrecognised courses?

Check the course leads to exams with AQA, Edexcel, or OCR, and that UCAS points are awarded.