Choosing your A Levels is one of the first academic decisions that genuinely shapes your future. Unlike many GCSE choices, A Levels start to narrow your options, because universities and employers often look closely at both the subjects you take and the grades you achieve. That means your choices can influence which university courses you can apply for later, especially for degrees with subject requirements.
At the same time, A Level study feels very different from GCSE. The content goes deeper, the pace moves faster, and you’ll spend far more time reading, practising, and revising independently. As a result, the subjects you pick can affect how manageable your workload feels week to week, how motivated you stay across two years, and how confident you feel when exams and deadlines start to build up.
The right A Levels help you:
- Keep your university options open
- Choose subjects that play to your strengths
- Stay motivated over two demanding years
- The wrong choices often lead to stress, low grades, or switching subjects mid-course.
This guide explains how to choose the best A Levels to take in 2026 in a way that is realistic, informed, and personal.
Understanding A Levels: What to Expect Before you Start
A Levels are subject-based qualifications that students in the UK usually study over two years in sixth form or college, most often in Year 12 and Year 13. Unlike GCSEs, where you take a broad range of subjects, A Levels let you specialise in a smaller number of areas that match your strengths, interests, and future plans.
Because A Levels go into much more depth, they involve more independent study, regular assessments, and a heavier workload overall. Your final grades then play a major role in university applications, apprenticeships, and early career opportunities, which is why choosing the right subjects from the start matters.
How Many A Levels Should You Take?
- Minimum: Most students take 3 A Levels
- Maximum: Some start with 4, but many drop to 3 by Year 13
- Taking more than 3 only helps if you can maintain strong grades
Typical University Requirements for A Levels
Every UK university and every course set its own entry requirements – there is no single universal standard. Many degrees expect a specific number of A-Levels at particular grades, and some require particular subjects. You can check these on individual university course pages, for example, via UCAS.
To Sum Up:
In summary, most students take three A Levels, and this is the standard requirement for many university courses. However, competitive courses often set clear subject requirements alongside minimum grade expectations. For that reason, universities usually value the right subjects with strong grades far more than taking extra A Levels and ending up with weaker results.
A Levels in 2026: Is Anything Changing?
No major structural changes are planned for A Levels in the UK.
Current guidance from official UK education sources confirms that subject requirements and grading expectations remain consistent going into 2026.
That means smart subject choices still matter more than trends.
What are Best A Levels to take in 2026?
Choosing the best A Levels to take in 2026 is not about finding a single perfect list. Instead, it’s about understanding which subjects continue to be widely valued and how those choices fit your own strengths and plans. While some A Levels remain popular because they keep university options open, the right choices will always depend on how well a subject suits you and where you want it to lead.
A Level Subject Trends for 2026
Based on recent enrolment data and university entry patterns, some subjects remain consistently popular and widely accepted.
Subjects that continue to attract high uptake:
- Maths
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Business Studies
- Computer Science
These subjects are popular because they:
- Support a wide range of degrees
- Are recognised across universities
- Align with growing career fields such as healthcare, technology, and finance
Despite this, popularity alone does not make them the best A Levels for every student.
Why “Best” Depends on Your Skills and Career Goals
The most useful A Levels are the ones that:
- Match your natural strengths
- Support your future degree or career
- Keep you engaged over two years
Choosing subjects you dislike or struggle with simply because they seem “useful” often leads to poor outcomes.
A smarter approach is to:
- Identify what you are good at
- Consider careers that match those skills
- Choose A Levels that support both
If you are unsure about your direction, exploring career planning guidance can help you align your A Level choices with long-term goals.
Best A Level Subject Combinations and Career Options
Choosing the right subject combination matters just as much as choosing the individual subjects. The best A Level combinations balance skills, workload, and future opportunities, while keeping university options open.
Maths + Physics + Chemistry
This combination suits students who enjoy problem-solving, logic, and analytical thinking. It builds strong quantitative and scientific foundations, which universities value highly for technical degrees. The subjects reinforce each other, especially in Maths-heavy problem solving.
This combination supports degrees and careers in:
- Engineering
- Physics
- Architecture
- Data science and analytics
Maths + Biology + Chemistry
This is one of the most popular and useful combinations for students interested in healthcare and life sciences. It develops strong scientific understanding while keeping competitive medical and science degrees accessible.
If you’re asking what subjects are needed to become a doctor, this combination is one of the most common answers.
It supports progression into:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Veterinary science
- Biomedical and life science degrees
Maths + Economics + Business
This combination works well for students interested in how markets, money, and organisations function. Maths provides analytical strength, while Economics and Business build commercial awareness and decision-making skills.
This set supports pathways into:
- Economics
- Finance and banking
- Accounting
- Business management and entrepreneurship
English Literature + History + Politics
This combination suits students who enjoy reading, writing, and debating ideas. It develops strong communication, argumentation and critical thinking skills, which universities value across many essay-based degrees.
It prepares students well for:
- Law
- Journalism
- International relations
- Humanities and social science degrees
Maths + Computer Science + Physics
This is a strong choice for students aiming for technical and technology-focused careers. The subjects build logical reasoning, mathematical thinking, and computational skills that are increasingly in demand.
This combination supports progression into:
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Artificial intelligence and data-driven roles
- Technology and Engineering degrees
Geography + Biology + Chemistry
This combination suits students interested in science with real-world impact. It combines environmental understanding with biological and chemical knowledge, making it relevant to global challenges such as climate change and sustainability.
- It supports careers and degrees in:
- Geography-related Science degrees
- Environmental Science
- Earth Sciences
- Sustainability and Environmental Policy
The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Choosing A Levels
Common mistakes include:
- Choosing subjects because friends chose them
- Picking subjects that sound impressive but don’t suit your strengths
- Ignoring entry requirements for future degrees
- Choosing overlapping subjects that limit options
- Underestimating how demanding A Levels are compared to GCSEs
Avoiding these mistakes often matters more than picking the “perfect” subject.
Conclusion
There is no single list of the best A Levels that suits every student. Instead, the most useful A Levels are the ones that play to your strengths, support your future plans, and help you achieve strong grades.
As you move towards sixth form or college, focus on choices you can commit to for two full years. In simple terms, pick subjects you enjoy, can manage confidently, and that keep the right options open.
If you want to maximise your potential in the A Level subject you choose, working with an online tutor can be a valuable option. The right support can help you strengthen subject knowledge, refine exam technique, and stay confident as the demands of A Level study increase.
Finally, if you still feel unsure or want extra support, explore our blog. You’ll find practical advice, subject guides, and study strategies to help you plan your next steps with confidence. Best of luck with your A Levels in 2026!
FAQs
What Are the Best A Levels to Take in 2026?
The best A Levels to take in 2026 depend on your strengths and your plans after sixth form. However, subjects like Maths, Biology, Chemistry, and English Literature often keep a wide range of university options open.
What Subjects/A Levels are Needed to Become a Doctor?
Most UK medical schools ask for Chemistry plus one other science, usually Biology. Many students also take Maths or Physics as a strong third A Level, but exact requirements vary by university.
What are the best A Levels for architecture?
Maths and Physics can support architecture because they build technical and problem-solving skills. Art or Design can also help, especially for portfolio work, depending on the course and university.
Can I Change my A Levels After Starting Year 12?
Yes, many sixth forms and colleges allow changes early in Year 12. However, switching later can put you under pressure, as you may need to catch up quickly on missed content.
