Choosing A Levels is one of the first big academic decisions your child will make. The subjects they select at this stage can influence university options, apprenticeship pathways and future career opportunities. As a parent, it can feel daunting too. However, with the right approach, you can support your child in making informed, confident choices that reflect both their strengths and ambitions.
Start With Strengths and Interests
The best place to begin is with what your child genuinely enjoys and performs well in. A Levels are more in-depth and academically demanding than GCSEs, so choosing subjects they find interesting will help them stay motivated over two years of study.
Encourage open conversations about which lessons they look forward to and which topics spark their curiosity. Strong grades matter, but so does enthusiasm. A student who enjoys a subject is more likely to put in the independent study time required and achieve strong results.
Keep Future Options in Mind
While passion is important, it is also sensible to consider long-term goals. If your child already has a career in mind, research the typical entry requirements. For example, competitive university courses such as medicine, engineering or architecture often require specific A Levels. Checking entry criteria on university websites or through UCAS can provide clarity.
If they are unsure about their future path, that is perfectly normal. In this case, selecting a balanced combination of facilitating subjects – such as maths, sciences, English or humanities – can help keep options open.
Understand the Workload
A Levels require a significant step up in independent learning. Students are expected to manage their own revision, meet coursework deadlines and read more widely around their subjects. Before finalising choices, it is helpful to discuss how different combinations may affect workload.
For instance, taking several essay-based subjects together may involve extensive reading and writing, while a mix of analytical and creative subjects might offer variety. Encourage your child to think about how they learn best and how they manage pressure.
Seek Advice From School
Teachers and sixth form advisers can offer valuable insight. They understand your child’s academic profile and can advise whether a subject choice is realistic based on current performance. Schools often host information evenings or one-to-one guidance sessions – attending these together can be reassuring and informative.
It can also help to speak with current sixth form students about their experiences. Hearing first-hand what a subject is really like at A Level can make expectations clearer.
Avoid External Pressure
It is natural to want the best for your child, but it is important that the final decision feels like theirs. Choosing subjects to please friends, follow trends or meet parental expectations can lead to disengagement later on.
Support them by asking questions rather than directing their choices. What excites them about a subject? What worries them? How do they see it fitting into their future? These conversations build confidence and encourage ownership of their decisions.
Remember There Is Flexibility
Finally, remind your child that pathways are rarely fixed forever. Some schools allow subject changes early in Year 12, and many careers have multiple entry routes. The key is choosing subjects that suit who they are now while keeping doors open for tomorrow.
With encouragement, honest discussions and careful research, you can help your child approach their A Level choices with clarity and confidence – laying strong foundations for whatever comes next.
