A-level a Launchpad for Life

Published 5 February 2026
Choosing what to study and how to study it is one of the most important decisions a young person and their family will make. The right academic pathway does not just determine exam results. It shapes confidence, curiosity, and the future ahead.
For parents, the goal is clear: to find the best possible route that celebrates their child’s individuality, nurtures their talents, and opens doors to world-class universities. For pupils, it is an opportunity to focus on subjects they love most. And for schools like Brighton College (Singapore), it is a chance to inspire intellectual curiosity and resilience, qualities that prepare pupils for university, career, and life.
Why A-levels Remain a Leading Choice
With several academic pathways available today, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP), A-levels continue to stand out as one of the best pre-university qualifications worldwide.
Recognised for their rigour and depth, A-levels are accepted by top universities across the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and beyond. UCAS research shows that more than 80% of successful applicants to selective UK universities present A-levels as their primary qualification.
Recent results from Brighton College UK speak for themselves: in 2025, 98% of A-level grades were A* to B, with A* the most common grade. At GCSE, 98% of grades were 9, 8, or 7, with grade 9 the most common grade. 43 pupils progressed to Oxford and Cambridge. These outcomes highlight the strength of the A-level pathway when combined with dedicated teaching and effort.
From Breadth to Depth: The Power of Specialisation
A-levels mark an important shift. After the breadth of IGCSE studies, where pupils typically take ten subjects, Sixth Form students select three or four A-level subjects to study intensively.
This move from variety to specialisation provides two major advantages:
- Freedom of choice, where pupils select the subjects that genuinely interest and inspire them, without the grouped subject requirements of the IB Diploma.
- Focused knowledge, with fewer subjects, pupils can explore each topic thoroughly, developing advanced analytical and critical-thinking skills.
At Brighton College (Singapore), this specialisation is supported by exceptional teaching. Our experienced educators, many from leading schools in the UK and globally, bring an inquiry-based approach that encourages pupils to question, debate, and think independently. This focus on intellectual depth and academic discipline ensures pupils are well prepared for the demands of university study.
Learn more about our A-level programme.
Beyond Exams: The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
A-levels at Brighton College (Singapore) are complemented by the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), an independent 5,000-word research project on a topic chosen by each pupil.
The EPQ develops essential skills for higher education, including research, analysis, and extended writing. Research by Cambridge Assessment shows that completing an EPQ can boost A-level performance by approximately 5 to 6 UCAS points. Studies by the University of Southampton demonstrate that EPQ students achieve higher degree outcomes at university. Some Russell Group universities, including Southampton, Birmingham, and Bath, even lower entry requirements for students with strong EPQ grades.
It is a powerful bridge between school and university, allowing pupils to experience the independence and demands that lie ahead.
Educating the Whole Person
At Brighton College (Singapore), education extends far beyond excellent grades. Our mission is to develop confident, curious, and kind young people who are ready to make a positive difference in the world.
Through a balance of independent study, collaborative projects, and personalised mentoring, our pupils build resilience, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Our culture of curiosity ensures that learning is active and engaging. By combining intellectual growth with emotional intelligence, our pupils leave prepared to thrive both academically and personally.
Explore our Sixth Form curriculum.
Choosing the Right Pathway
A-levels are not the only route to university success. The International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programmes each offer distinct advantages. The right choice depends on your child’s learning style, academic strengths, and university aspirations.
A-levels work particularly well when your child knows their interests, thrives with subject specialisation, and prefers specialisation over variety. They are ideal for pupils targeting UK universities or US institutions that recognise the rigour of A-level qualifications.
The IB may suit pupils who prefer interdisciplinary learning, continuous assessment, or maintaining flexibility across multiple subject areas. Advanced Placement offers an alternative for families focused on the US higher education system.
Both A-levels and the IB represent excellent qualifications. What matters most is finding the pathway that celebrates your child’s individual strengths and aspirations.
A True Partnership with Parents
Choosing A-levels at Brighton College means joining a community built on partnership. We believe that successful education comes from close collaboration between school and family.
Parents at Brighton College (Singapore) value more than academic achievement. They want assurance that their child will leave school confident, capable, and inspired. Through transparent progress tracking, open communication, and strong pastoral care, we ensure that each pupil’s journey is both ambitious and supportive.
The Brighton College Difference
At Brighton College (Singapore), A-levels are not just a qualification, they are a launchpad for life.
With small class sizes, expert teachers, and a school culture rooted in curiosity, confidence, and kindness, we help pupils excel both academically and personally. Our Sixth Form years are designed to prepare pupils not only to succeed but to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to a rapidly changing world.
The journey to successful A-Level study begins with a strong foundation in IGCSEs. Find out how Brighton College builds that foundation here. If you would like to discuss whether A-levels are right for your child, we welcome you to visit our campus and meet our Sixth Form team.
Book a visit to Brighton College (Singapore).
About Brighton College (Singapore)
Brighton College (Singapore) offers an exceptional British education for pupils aged 18 months to 18 years. We combine the academic excellence and values of Brighton College UK, the UK’s school of the decade, with a deep understanding of the Asian education landscape. Our Sixth Form launches in August 2026.

About the Author
Nick Davies is the Head of College at Brighton College (Singapore), part of the award-winning Brighton College family of schools. With over two decades of leadership experience in independent education across Europe and Asia, Nick is a passionate advocate for values-led innovation and the transformative power of education.


Join us at an Open House
The best way to experience what life is like at Brighton College (Singapore) is to join us at an Open House, where you will have the chance to talk to pupils and teachers about what makes our school such a special place, and to answer any questions you have about life here.
