A-level biology with a grade 6 or Applied Science BTEC instead

DandelionClockSeeds · 20/08/2026 11:44

Have you looked at neuroscience degrees and what the required A levels are? And if the applied btec was suitable (i suspect it is)
Id be surprised if she didnt need a second science if Alevels were taken. What was she hoping to take with Bio?

Original poster

PoorPenguin · 20/08/2026 12:04

Thanks, yes, some universities accept applied science and this is what we were told by the school this morning.

She wants to do pscyhology and art A-levels as well.

I suppose it's just the fact that she really doesn't want to do physics and chemistry, although I think there's chemistry in biology anyway...

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SoftIce · 21/08/2026 08:30

@PoorPenguin There is a BTEC in Applied Human Biology, but I guess the school doesn't offer it?

Original poster

PoorPenguin · 21/08/2026 09:00

@SoftIce no, unfortunately not.

School have said she might be able to do a trial in the A level and see how it goes. She only just missed a 7.

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gianfrancogorgonzola · 21/08/2026 09:02

DD found biology very content heavy but not complex. She got a 9 and then an A at A level, with a tutor for yr 13 to go over the topics in more detail where she felt school had - understandably - rushed through.

if you can supplement with tutoring and she really wants to go it she could start and drop if it's too much?

is it worth a remark to see if she actually got a 7?

AlphaApple · 21/08/2026 09:07

If she wants to do it then go for it. Biology is tough to get high marks in but it’s a great subject.

A lot can happen between GCSEs and A Levels. Her GCSE results are just one data point in the decision making.

makemineadecaf · 21/08/2026 15:22

My dd also wanted to do biology but only got a 6 and school insist on 7s in all continuing subjects. She’s decided on a fully essay based selection now. That said there is a LOT of chemistry in biology so the BTEC actually may be not be quite so different.

Original poster

PoorPenguin · 21/08/2026 15:57

Thanks all. She was 6 marks away from a 7, so I'm not sure if a remark would change anything.

She's actually decided to go with the BTEC as she was worried about how difficult the A level would be. I think the structure of the BTEC will suit her better and then she only has psychology to revise for at the end.

Appreciate everyone's thoughts!

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makemineadecaf · 21/08/2026 15:59

PoorPenguin · 21/08/2026 15:57

Thanks all. She was 6 marks away from a 7, so I'm not sure if a remark would change anything.

She's actually decided to go with the BTEC as she was worried about how difficult the A level would be. I think the structure of the BTEC will suit her better and then she only has psychology to revise for at the end.

Appreciate everyone's thoughts!

I know very little about BTEC, is it equivalent to 2 alevels? Same ucas points? All coursework based or exams?

ifonlytheydlisten · 21/08/2026 23:05

My DD didn’t get 7 so is doing v simiiar. Psychology AppSc and prob Chem

ifonlytheydlisten · 21/08/2026 23:06

As far as I can see everyone excepts it as an A level. You can do level 1 or 3 (worth 3 A levels)

DangoDays · 21/08/2026 23:09

Head of 6th here. I’d put her on the bio A Level - If she’s got a strong work ethic. I’d also get her Uplearn for bio - great online study resource and get her to use this to pre learn content before lessons and review after lessons. Past papers and questions early doors. Tell the school you will do this and see if it will reassure them about her readiness for the course.

ifonlytheydlisten · 21/08/2026 23:25

@DangoDays my DD had to get 667 to get onto two A stem subjects. Missed a 7
Everywhere is saying no

Original poster

PoorPenguin · 22/08/2026 19:35

Thanks everyone.

School have been pretty strict about needing a 7. I think she's happy doing the BTEC, which they have said is worth the same UCAS points. It's exams plus coursework, but the exams will be over by the summer, so she can just concentrate on revising for psychology.

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ifonlytheydlisten · 23/08/2026 10:54

It’s defo worth same points. After initial shock I think AS will be better and actually more relevant for what she wants to do later

Original poster

PoorPenguin · 24/08/2026 09:04

ifonlytheydlisten · 23/08/2026 10:54

It’s defo worth same points. After initial shock I think AS will be better and actually more relevant for what she wants to do later

Thanks. Yes, I think she's happy with her decision.

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EndorsingPRActice · 24/08/2026 09:13

My DD was in a similar situation 3 years ago and ended up doing a BTEC and 2 A levels. She found it helped a lot to have completed the BTEC before the final A level exams, as she then had just 2 subjects to revise and fewer exams, which were also quite well spaced out (though of course you can be unlucky with any exam timetable for your subjects). She did really well in both BTEC and A levels and is now at uni.

ifonlytheydlisten · 24/08/2026 09:24

This will be a big advantage for DD based on this years experience

Anothercake · 24/08/2026 09:26

PoorPenguin · 21/08/2026 15:57

Thanks all. She was 6 marks away from a 7, so I'm not sure if a remark would change anything.

She's actually decided to go with the BTEC as she was worried about how difficult the A level would be. I think the structure of the BTEC will suit her better and then she only has psychology to revise for at the end.

Appreciate everyone's thoughts!

Sounds like a great call. Biology is very content heavy and of the sciences it's the biggest jump up from GCSE to A level. She would have struggled and probably been quite demoralised doing A level. Well done her.

RNApolymerase · 24/08/2026 09:26

This thread is about Maths but similar applies to biology.
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/secondary/5568835-yearly-warning-about-taking-a-level-maths-with-a-6-at-gcse
It's worth looking at the data collected to see what grades are achieved by those starting with a 6 at GCSE. Sorry can't find the link on my phone but it's statistically a C or D in biology if you have a 6 at GCSE.

Yearly warning about taking A-level maths with a 6 at GCSE | Mumsnet

GCSE results day and therefore A-level sign-up day. So with that in mind I just thought I'd post the table of conversions from GCSE to A-level result...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/secondary/5568835-yearly-warning-about-taking-a-level-maths-with-a-6-at-gcse

BeWarmKoala · 24/08/2026 09:28

Taught A level biology for many years. Was the 6 in biology or combined science? If biology what was her grade in chemistry? If it was at least 6 I think she would do fine with A level. BTec is a good course, much better for students who struggle with exam nerves and universities are happy to accept it. My only concern would be who the school accept on the BTec course. Worked in one place where interesting characters were allowed to follow this route to the detriment of good students

sashh · 24/08/2026 09:29

PoorPenguin · 20/08/2026 11:20

DD wanted to do A-level biology but has just got a 6. School have suggested she does Applied Science BTEC but she really doesn't want to do physics and chemistry.

Has anyone's DC been in the same situation and it turned out OK? She wants to go into neuroscience.

Can she do health and social care? That has 'anatomy and physiology' so just looks at humans.

Original poster

PoorPenguin · 24/08/2026 09:40

Thanks for all your advice.

Yes, we had heard that getting a 6 now often means a C or D at A level, not that it's guaranteed of course. I think DD will do better with coursework and the fact she'll only have psychology to revise for in the summer will be a big bonus.

@BeWarmKoala the 6 was for biology, as she did triple science. She got a 4 in chemistry, although did really well in her mock.

@sashh no, they don 't offer health and social care.

Good to hear all your experiences.

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sashh · 25/08/2026 07:23

OP

That's a shame most students taking H and SC are intending to work in the NHS, for nurses they need to either have the A and P unit or biology A Level.