Progression & Recognition

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Levels (IAL) and GCE A levels are widely recognised by universities in the UK and worldwide for entry onto undergraduate degree programmes.

Here you will find information and guidance about how to progress to universities worldwide with Pearson Edexcel qualifications.

For parents and students, please visit this session for wide range of information and resources for applying to universities in popular destinations.

  • Key Facts
  • Revision & results support 
  • Studying abroad country guides
  • Universities destinations
  • University recognition 
  • Extended Project Qualification recognition
  • Informative webinars (Including How to write a Personal statement for university entrance; How to write a UCAS reference; Want to study in UK/Canada/US/Australia series; etc)

For universities requirement and further guidance to ensure our students make the best progress into the study and employment destinations of their choice. Please visit here for details.

Pearson Edexcel sets the standard for worldwide recognised qualifications aligned to the British educational system and accepted by universities worldwide. Our qualifications are taken annually by over 100,000 students in over 80 countries.

  • Key facts about our qualifications
  • Understand our qualifications 
  • UK Naric benchmarking 
  • Changes to UK GCE A level and AS level
  Edexcel GCE AS levels Edexcel GCE A levels Edexcel International AS level Edexcel International A levels (IALs)
Structure Modular structure until 2015.

From 2015, all exams taken at the end of a one year AS level programme and will have a linear structure.

Standalone qualification and  no longer contributes to GCE A level grades.

Modular structure until 2015.

From 2015, all exams taken at the end of a two-year A level programme and will have a linear structure.

Modular and flexible structure.

All units examined.

International AS contributes 50% to the IAL grade or is a stand-alone qualification.
Modular and flexible structure.

Equivalent in size, level and demand to GCE A level (see UK NARIC benchmarking report).
Assessment
Mix of coursework and examinations until 2015.

100% examination only from 2015.

May/June examinations only.
Mix of coursework and examinations until 2015.

100% examination only from 2015.

May/June examinations only.
No coursework (100% examination).

October, January and June examinations.
No coursework (100% examination).

October, January and June examinations.
Grading A-E A*-E
A-E A*-E
Regulator Regulated by Ofqual. Regulated by Ofqual.
Regulated by Pearson.
Regulated by Pearson.
A*-E
A*-E
A*-E
  • Understand our results and transcripts
  • Result releases and certificates issuance dates (Important) 
  • Recognise our qualifications 
  • Thought Leadership