Launching an A Level programme takes board approval, a structural choice and resources. Cambridge schools need approval to add AS & A Level through Form 5, and schools choose between Cambridge’s staged AS & A Level and Pearson’s modular IAL. Budget about 360 guided learning hours per A Level subject, with laboratories and practical time for sciences.
Does a school need approval to add A Levels?
Usually, yes, for Cambridge. The Cambridge Handbook 2026 says: “If you want to offer a type of qualification beyond those initially approved by us … you must request our approval by completing and submitting Additional qualification types: Preparation – Form 5.” Cambridge Advanced covers AS & A Level, the AICE Diploma and the Cambridge International Project Qualification. Adding a science syllabus with a practical component also needs Form 5. Cambridge “may carry out a re-inspection” when a centre asks to add a qualification type, “and you will have to pay another inspection charge”.
For Pearson, UK academic centres “don’t need to apply for further approval”. Centres outside the UK that want to add qualifications are asked to “register your interest and we’ll be in touch” (Pearson). Check with your Pearson regional office before planning a launch date.
Cambridge AS & A Level or Pearson IAL?
The biggest decision, because it shapes the whole sixth form.
| Cambridge International AS & A Level | Pearson Edexcel IAL | |
|---|---|---|
| Subjects | 55 | 21 |
| Structure | AS then A Level, or all papers together; AS “carried forward twice within 13 months” | Modular units, banked on a Uniform Mark Scale |
| Series | June and November | January, June and October (varies by subject) |
| Resits | By re-entry | Any unit; better of the two most recent attempts counts (best, in Mathematics) |
| Teaching time | About 180 guided learning hours for AS, 360 for A Level | Not stated in the specifications we checked |
See Cambridge vs Edexcel for Schools and the IAL modular strategy guide.
How much teaching time does an A Level need?
Cambridge designs AS & A Level syllabuses “to require about 180 guided learning hours for each Cambridge International AS Level and about 360 guided learning hours for a Cambridge International A Level”. It adds that “the number of hours a learner needs to achieve the qualification may vary”. For comparison, IGCSE syllabuses are designed for “about 130 guided learning hours for each subject”. Over two years, 360 hours is roughly five hours a week per subject across about 36 weeks. That sets the timetable before any staffing decision.
What do science A Levels require?
Laboratories, equipment and practical time. Cambridge’s Chemistry 9701 syllabus says “learners should spend at least 20 per cent of their time doing practical work individually or in small groups”. Paper 3 is “a timetabled, laboratory-based practical paper”, and “it is the responsibility of centres to provide the apparatus and chemicals required for practical examinations” (9701 syllabus). Pearson’s IAL Biology includes 18 core practicals, with practical skills examined in Units 3 and 6. Budget for laboratory fit-out and technician time before recruiting science teachers.
How do you decide whether an A Level subject is viable?
Model demand, staffing and cost per subject over at least two cohorts. Questions to answer:
- Demand: how many current Year 10 and 11 students would choose the subject, and how many would you recruit from outside?
- Staffing: can you hire or develop a specialist? Cambridge requires that “teachers have appropriate qualifications to deliver Cambridge programmes”.
- Timetable: can you give roughly 360 guided learning hours per subject without cutting IGCSE time?
- Facilities: laboratories and specialist rooms, which Cambridge’s standards list for sciences, languages and ICT.
- Recognition: do target universities and local equivalence rules accept the subject? For example, Pakistan’s IBCC requires three relevant A Level subjects at grade E or above.
A subject with small numbers can still run if it is central to your offer, but decide that deliberately and review it each year.
What does a launch timeline look like?
Working back from first teaching in September:
| When | Step |
|---|---|
| 18 months before | Demand survey; board choice; subject list |
| 12 months before | Board approval (Cambridge Form 5 or Pearson expression of interest); facilities plan |
| 9 months before | Recruit specialist teachers; order laboratory equipment |
| 6 months before | Publish the sixth-form offer to families; set entry requirements |
| 3 months before | Schemes of work, assessment calendar, exams office set-up for the chosen series |
| September | First teaching |
How schools do this with AI Buddy
AI Buddy covers A Level subjects across Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel, with past-paper-style practice marked instantly and cohort analytics. A new sixth form can therefore run practice and mock assessment from its first term, without building a question bank. Where a subject starts with a small class or a new teacher, AI Buddy adds practice and feedback between lessons. Ask us which A Level subjects are covered for your chosen board.
Frequently asked questions
What does it take to launch an A Level programme?
Board approval (Cambridge Form 5, or Pearson’s process), a choice between Cambridge AS & A Level and Pearson IAL, specialist teachers, around 360 guided learning hours per subject, and laboratories for sciences.
Can an IGCSE school introduce A Levels?
Yes. Cambridge schools apply to add Cambridge Advanced through Form 5, which may involve a re-inspection. Pearson centres outside the UK register their interest with Pearson.
How many hours does an A Level take?
Cambridge designs its A Levels for about 360 guided learning hours, and its AS Levels for about 180.
What is needed to run science A Levels?
Laboratories, apparatus and chemicals provided by the school, and practical time. Cambridge suggests at least 20% of Chemistry time should be practical work.
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Sources
- Cambridge International, Cambridge Handbook 2026, sections A8 and B4
- Cambridge International, Chemistry 9701 syllabus 2025–2027 and Mathematics 0580 syllabus
- Cambridge International, Our requirements
- Pearson, Qualification approval and IAL Biology specification