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Do Universities Look at GCSEs or A-Levels? (2026)
What Really Matters for UK Admissions
In short, UK universities care more about A-levels, but GCSEs still matter, especially for meeting minimum requirements and competitive courses.
If you’re applying to university, understanding how GCSEs and A-levels are used in admissions can help you focus your efforts and avoid unnecessary stress.
Do Universities Care More About GCSEs or A-Levels?
In most cases, A-levels carry more weight than GCSEs.
That’s because A-levels:
- Are more recent
- Show subject-specific ability
- Better predict success at university level
Universities use predicted and achieved A-level grades as the primary basis for making offers.
However, this does not mean GCSEs are ignored.
Choosing the right A-level subjects is crucial for meeting entry requirements and staying competitive.
Why GCSEs Still Matter for University Applications
Universities look at GCSEs in several key ways:
- Minimum Entry Requirements
Most universities require:
- GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above
- A minimum number of GCSE passes overall
If you don’t meet these, your application may be rejected regardless of A-level grades.
- Competitive Courses
For courses like:
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Law
- Engineering
Universities often scrutinise GCSE grades more closely, especially if applicants have similar A-level predictions.
Strong GCSEs can help you stand out. This is especially true for oversubscribed courses, where expert course selection can make a real difference.
- Academic Context
GCSEs provide context for your academic journey.
For example:
- Strong GCSEs + weaker A-levels → may raise concerns
- Weaker GCSEs + strong A-level improvement → shows progress
Admissions teams look at trends, not just raw grades. Admissions tutors look at your overall academic journey — not just isolated grades — which is why having your application reviewed can be so valuable.
When Do GCSEs Matter More Than A-Levels?
GCSEs may carry extra importance if:
- You’re applying with lower predicted A-level grades
- You’re applying to oversubscribed universities
- You’re applying as a mature student or with resits
- You missed Maths or English requirements
In these cases, GCSEs can be the deciding factor.
How Universities Use A-Levels in Admissions
A-levels are the main decision-making tool for universities.
They are used to assess:
- Subject knowledge
- Academic readiness
- Suitability for a specific course
Universities focus on:
- Predicted grades
- Subject relevance
- Final achieved grades
Choosing the right A-level subjects is just as important as achieving high grades.
This is why A-level combinations matter so much. Choosing the right A-level subjects is just as important as achieving high grades — especially when applying to competitive UK universities.
Do All Universities Look at GCSEs the Same Way?
No — priorities vary by institution.
Russell Group & Top Universities
- Strong focus on A-levels
- GCSEs used as a supporting factor
- Competitive courses may weight GCSEs more
Newer Universities
- More flexible entry criteria
- GCSEs can play a bigger role
- Greater emphasis on overall profile
Always check course-specific requirements, not just university-level ones. Check yours here.
What If You Have Weak GCSEs?
If your GCSE results aren’t ideal, you still have options:
- Retaking English or Maths
- Choosing the right A-level subjects
- Strengthening your personal statement
- Applying strategically to suitable universities
Many students get into university with imperfect GCSEs — guidance matters. With the right strategy, many students successfully progress to university despite weaker GCSE results.
GCSEs, A-Levels, and the Bigger Picture
While grades are important, universities also consider:
- Personal statements – More information can be found here.
- References
- Interviews (for some courses)
- Contextual admissions factors
A strong overall application can compensate for weaker areas.
Final Verdict: GCSEs vs A-Levels
- A-levels matter most
- GCSEs still matter
- Both work together, not against each other
Focus on:
- Meeting GCSE requirements (especially Maths & English)
- Choosing the right A-level subjects
- Achieving strong predicted grades
- Applying strategically
FAQs: GCSEs and University Admissions
Do universities reject students for low GCSEs?
Not usually, as long as minimum requirements (especially English and Maths) are met and A-level performance is strong.
Do GCSE grades matter after you get A-level results?
They matter less once A-levels are achieved, but may still be used for competitive courses.
Can I get into university with resits?
Yes. Many universities accept GCSE and A-level resits, particularly when there is clear improvement.
Need Help Understanding How Your Grades Affect Your Chances?
If you’re unsure whether your GCSEs or A-levels are strong enough — or which courses you should realistically apply for — expert guidance can make all the difference.
At Get Into University, we offer free, personalised support, including:
- Course and university matching
- Entry requirement checks
- UCAS application and personal statement guidance
- Interview preparation and student finance advice
