Top 10 Hardest A Level Subjects in 2025

Choosing your A Levels can be exciting, but also a bit stressful. With so many subjects to pick from, it’s normal to wonder which ones are harder than others. You’ve probably seen lists of the easiest A Level subjects but what about the hardest ones?

In this blog, we’ll look at the 10 hardest A Level subjects and explain why students often find them so challenging. We’ll also touch on which subjects are the most respected, whether taking four A Levels is a good idea, and how different exam boards compare.

What is A Level?

A Level is one of the crucial qualification in the UK. Often serving as the determining factor for university admission, they not only test your knowledge in your chosen subjects, but also reflect your dedication, resilience, and ability to handle complex intellectual challenges. A Levels can impact career opportunities as well, so your choice in A level subjects is an important decision.

The Top 10 Hardest A Level Subjects

Some A Level subjects are known for being tougher than others. Whether it’s because of heavy content, complex skills, or tricky exams, these subjects can really push students. Below, we’ve listed top 10 hardest A Level subjects and explained why students often find them challenging.

1. Physics

Physics is often seen as one of the hardest A Level subjects and many students agree. It’s not the most popular choice either. In fact, back in 2016, only around 35,000 students took Physics at A Level. But despite the low numbers, it’s a subject that’s in high demand, especially in careers linked to science, engineering, and technology.

So, what makes Physics so difficult? A big part of it is the theory. You’ll deal with a lot of complex concepts and calculations. Topics like Nuclear Physics, Thermodynamics, and Oscillations can be challenging, especially if you found Physics or Maths hard at GCSE. Since many of the topics overlap with A Level Maths and even Further Maths, having strong maths skills is a real advantage.

2. Further Maths

Further Maths is closely linked to the standard A Level Maths, but it takes everything a step further, both in difficulty and depth. When you take this subject, you’re actually studying for two separate A Levels: Maths and Further Maths. That means a large part of your study time will be focused on maths based topics.

The content in Further Maths builds on what you learn in A Level Maths but dives into more advanced areas. You’ll explore topics like Pure Maths, Mechanics, and Statistics in greater detail, and you may also come across new areas like Discrete Maths, depending on your school or exam board.

This subject is often recommended or even required for students planning to study Maths at university. It’s designed to prepare you for more challenging degree courses, and help you build the kind of problem solving skills that universities really value. It’s not an easy option, but for students who enjoy maths and want to go further, it can be a great fit.

3. Chemistry

Chemistry is often ranked as one of the toughest A Level subjects, and many students feel the step up from GCSE straight away. The content becomes more detailed, the calculations more complex, and there’s a much bigger focus on independent study. While the majority of students do pass, success really depends on how prepared and committed you are from the start.

A Level Chemistry takes the basics you learned at GCSE and builds on them but in much more depth. You’ll revisit topics like the periodic table, bonding, and electrolysis, but you’ll also dive into completely new areas like enthalpy changes, electron structure, and organic chemistry. Some of the content can feel abstract, and you’ll often need to understand how theories apply before walking into a practical session.

No matter your exam board, Chemistry demands regular revision and solid preparation. It’s not just about remembering facts you also need to explain ideas clearly, use data, and solve multi-step problems. If you’re someone who enjoys solving problems and can stay organised with your workload, Chemistry can be a challenging but rewarding subject to take.

4. Biology

Biology is often seen as the most manageable of the three science A Levels, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In fact, many students are surprised by how much harder it feels compared to GCSE. Some say it’s two to three times more difficult, especially when it comes to the amount of content you need to learn and the independent work expected outside of lessons.

One of the biggest challenges in A Level Biology is the sheer volume of theory. From cell structures and enzymes to genetics and ecosystems, there’s a lot to cover and you need to understand how it all links together. It’s not just about memorising facts. You’ll also need to apply your knowledge to new scenarios and write clear, detailed answers in your exams.

What makes Biology even trickier is how much independent learning it requires. You’ll be expected to do your own reading, keep up with notes, and come prepared to practical sessions. But if you enjoy the subject and don’t mind putting in the time, it can be a really valuable A Level to have. Biology opens doors to careers in health, medicine, and environmental science, and gives you knowledge that connects to so many areas of life.

5. Computer Science

Computer Science is often underestimated, but it’s one of the harder A Level subjects out there. In fact, it has one of the highest drop out rates among A Level students, which shows just how demanding it can be if you’re not prepared for the workload.

The subject is split into two main parts: programming and theory. On the programming side, you’ll learn the basics of coding and get to grips with languages like Python or Java. The theory side takes you deeper into how computers actually work. You’ll cover everything from data structures and algorithms to hardware, binary, and the logic behind how computers process information.

What surprises many students is how theory-heavy the course is. It’s not very hands-on, so if you’re someone who learns best by doing, you might find it a bit tricky. You won’t be pulling apart computers or doing physical tasks – instead, you’ll be asked to understand and explain how everything functions behind the scenes.

But if you’re someone who enjoys solving problems, thinking logically, and understanding how technology works from the inside out, then Computer Science can be a really rewarding choice. It’s challenging, yes- but for the right student, it can also be incredibly exciting and useful for the future.

6. Maths

Maths is one of the most popular A Level subjects, but it’s also one of the most challenging. While the first few months might feel like a recap of GCSE skills, things start to pick up quickly and by the second year, it becomes much more advanced.

You’ll cover three main areas: pure maths, mechanics, and statistics. To do well, you’ll need to get comfortable with all three. Pure maths focuses on algebra, calculus, and other abstract topics. Mechanics is similar to what you’d study in Physics, which can be tough if you’re not a fan of that subject. Statistics involves analysing data and applying maths to real world problems. Each part has its own tricky elements, and the pace can feel fast if you fall behind.

7. Modern Languages (French, Spanish, German)

Learning a new language is never easy and that’s what makes A Level Modern Languages such a challenge. You’re not just picking up vocabulary. You also need to understand grammar rules, sentence structure, and how to speak clearly and confidently in a new language.

Languages like French, Spanish, and German have been officially recognised as some of the hardest A Level subjects. According to Ofqual, they’re “above average” in difficulty and many students agree. One of the biggest reasons is the way the subject is assessed. You’ll have to complete a reading paper, a listening and writing exam, and an oral speaking test. Each of these papers requires a different skill set, so you’ll need to prepare in lots of different ways.

But it’s not all just hard work. If you enjoy learning about different cultures and how language works, this A Level can be really rewarding. Being fluent in another language is a skill that’s valued all over the world and it can open doors to careers in translation, travel, teaching, and even international business.

8. Psychology

Psychology is also the most popular A Level subjects, but many students think it’s tougher than expected. In fact, quite a few drop the subject after the first year, often because they didn’t realise just how much content it involves. A big part of Psychology is memorising studies, dates, and findings and being able to recall them in detail during exams. You’ll need to use this knowledge to build strong arguments and answer complex questions about human behaviour.

Another challenge students face is the essay writing. Psychology isn’t just about facts – you also need to explain, apply, and evaluate what you’ve learned. Writing clear and detailed essays in timed conditions takes practice, and you need to be confident in your writing to score well.

Psychology sits in a unique spot between science and the humanities. It requires both logical thinking and a creative approach to explaining behaviour. If you’re stronger in one than the other, that balance can take some time to get used to.

9. English Literature

English Literature might seem like a subject where you just read books and write about them but it’s much more than that. Unlike subjects where there are clear right or wrong answers, success in English Literature depends on your ability to think and come up with your own interpretations.

There’s no fixed formula to follow. While you’ll learn how to write essays and analyse texts, what really matters is how well you can build original arguments and express your ideas. This can be difficult if you prefer clear rules and structure. That’s why English Literature doesn’t suit everyone, and it’s often seen as one of the harder A Levels to do well in.

You’ll also need to analyse texts in much more detail than you did at GCSE. Examiners will be reading lots of essays on the same novels and poems, so finding a fresh angle or a unique take can really make a difference. On top of that, there’s a lot of independent reading required outside of lessons, so enjoying the subject really helps.

10. History

History is often praised for its high pass rate, but many students still find it one of the hardest A Levels to take. The main reason? It’s time consuming and content heavy. You’ll need to be prepared to put in consistent effort and spend hours reading, revising, and practising your writing.

The jump from GCSE to A Level History can be quite steep. You’ll go into topics in much more depth, and you won’t always get to choose what you study. Depending on your school and exam board, you might end up covering anything from Italian Unification to 20th century Russia. That’s why it’s a good idea to ask your teacher which topics your school covers before choosing it.

To do well in History, you’ll need strong essay writing skills and a good memory. Exams and coursework are essay based, so you’ll be expected to build clear arguments, use evidence, and explain your points in detail. Remembering key dates, events, and names is essential, especially when writing under pressure.

Taking Four A Level Subjects

Taking four A Level subjects is a decision that shouldn’t be made lightly. This is a significant commitment that requires time, effort, and a high degree of academic ability.

A Levels are challenging by design. They’re made to test a student’s understanding and skills in a particular subject area to a high standard. Taking three A Levels is the standard expectation for most university courses in the UK. Each of these subjects requires dedicated study hours, coursework, and end-of-year examinations. Adding a fourth subject into the mix increases this workload significantly.

That being said, taking four A Levels is not impossible, and many students opt to do it every year. There are several reasons why a student might consider this. Perhaps they have a wide range of interests and don’t want to miss out on studying a particular subject. Maybe they’re not sure what they want to study at university, and taking four subjects leaves more doors open. In some cases, competitive university courses might prefer students with four A Levels.

However, before making the decision, it’s crucial to consider the implications. More subjects mean more lessons, more homework, more revision, and ultimately, less free time. This can be stressful and may impact not only academic performance but also mental health. You’ll need to think about whether you’re able to manage your time effectively to cope with the increased workload.

Which A Level Exam Boards Are the Hardest?

When discussing the difficulty of A Level exams, it’s important to consider the exam boards that set them. In the UK, there are several exam boards, and each one can set papers that vary slightly in style, structure, and emphasis on certain aspects of the course.

Three of the main A Level exam boards in the UK are AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. There’s also CIE which is less common in the UK, but is recognised worldwide.

AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance)

AQA is known for focusing on extended written answers. This means you may face complex questions that require comprehensive answers, necessitating a good understanding of the subject matter and the ability to articulate that understanding effectively. AQA may be perceived as difficult if your strengths lie more in short-answer or multiple-choice type questions.

Edexcel (Education Excellence)

Edexcel is seen as more logical and straightforward in its question approach. It also provides numerous past exam papers, which can be an invaluable resource for revision and practice. However, this board may pose a challenge to those who struggle with the logical application of knowledge or who prefer essay-style questions.

OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA)

OCR tends to require more analysis and on-the-spot thinking, with less reliance on regurgitating information and more emphasis on using that information in unfamiliar contexts. This can be tough for those who rely heavily on memorisation.

CIE (Cambridge International Examinations)

CIE, not being one of the main UK boards, often triggers the question: Is it the hardest exam board? While standards are high and the exams are challenging, the difficulty level, much like with the other boards, often depends on individual student strengths.

It’s important to remember that the perceived difficulty of an exam board can depend largely on your personal learning style, strengths, and weaknesses. All the boards aim to test a student’s understanding to a high standard and prepare them for future studies or careers. As such, they all present their own unique challenges. You might not have a choice in the exam board your school uses, but understanding their differences can help tailor your revision strategy effectively.

Conclusion

A Levels can feel like a big step, and it’s normal to have questions or doubts, especially when some subjects seem harder than others. But don’t let that stop you from choosing what truly interests you. The subjects that seems hard at first can help you grow the most.

And if things ever feel too much, you’re not alone. Edumentors can connect you with friendly, experienced A Level online tutors from top UK universities. They’ve been where you are and know how to explain things in a way that actually makes sense. Good luck!