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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Original poster

A level choices

120 replies

Freedom2025 · 22/08/2025 10:30

Hoping someone will help with this. My daughter wanted to do maths, physics & psychology for her A levels. She didn’t get the 8 she needed for maths to stay at her current grammar school. She got a 7 but needed an 8 because she didn’t do well at pre GCSE maths assessment test. She got a 7 in maths and 8s in physics and biology. She really wants to stay at her current school because she is worried about change and she really loves her school. She has now put down physics, biology and psychology at her current school (all girls grammar with mixed 6th form) and has been accepted.

She has an option of attending a nearby grammar with her original subject choices. This is a boys grammar school with mixed 6th form. She liked it when she visited but not as much as her current school. Now the dilemma is whether it’s worth sacrificing the maths in order to stay at current school or just start afresh elsewhere. If anyone has any wise words please share!

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AudiobookListener · 22/08/2025 11:56

What's the balance of boys and girls like? Is the girls grammar mainly girls and the boys mainly boys? How does your daughter feel about it? I would suggest if she wants to do maths she needs to be prepared to ask lots of questions when she doesn’t understand. Would she be comfortable doing that at the boys grammar?

TeenToTwenties · 22/08/2025 11:57

I'm all for doing the subjects you want, and not compromising just to stay at current school unless there is some kind of additional need that needs nurturing.

But I live in Hants where staying at the school post GSE isn't an option for anyone.

Original poster
Freedom2025 · 22/08/2025 12:15

AudiobookListener · 22/08/2025 11:56

What's the balance of boys and girls like? Is the girls grammar mainly girls and the boys mainly boys? How does your daughter feel about it? I would suggest if she wants to do maths she needs to be prepared to ask lots of questions when she doesn’t understand. Would she be comfortable doing that at the boys grammar?

Thanks for responding. It’s mainly boys with some girls. She is conflicted because she really wants to do maths but is worried about change and going from all girls to lots of boys and few girls.

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Original poster
Freedom2025 · 22/08/2025 12:18

TeenToTwenties · 22/08/2025 11:57

I'm all for doing the subjects you want, and not compromising just to stay at current school unless there is some kind of additional need that needs nurturing.

But I live in Hants where staying at the school post GSE isn't an option for anyone.

That is my position as well but I also know that it takes my daughter quite a while to settle in new situations. So I don’t know whether the move would do more damage and therefore affect her grades in the end. So tough! She’s really struggling to decide what to choose. I think maths is more important to her though.

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LIZS · 22/08/2025 12:22

What does she want to do afterwards? Would maths be more relevant than physics and keep uni course options more open for example.

Hellohelga · 22/08/2025 12:26

Maths is a much better choice with physics and psychology. What does she want to do after A levels?

Notellinganyone · 22/08/2025 12:27

I think she’ll struggle with A level maths with a 7. It’s a steep jump and she could end up with a low grade.

Original poster
Freedom2025 · 22/08/2025 12:29

She is not sure yet but thinking engineering or something else physics related.

OP posts:
Original poster
Freedom2025 · 22/08/2025 12:31

Notellinganyone · 22/08/2025 12:27

I think she’ll struggle with A level maths with a 7. It’s a steep jump and she could end up with a low grade.

She was working at 8 and was predicted an 8. She enjoys it but I get what you’re saying.

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titchy · 22/08/2025 12:32

Notellinganyone · 22/08/2025 12:27

I think she’ll struggle with A level maths with a 7. It’s a steep jump and she could end up with a low grade.

Agree. However I also think she’ll struggle a bit with Physics if she isn’t doing Maths. It’s unusual to find a school that allows it tbh.

If she takes a while to settle, she should stay. You really have to hit the ground running at AL, and if her mental energy is going into settling, by Christmas she’ll be behind - which is not what a slightly weak Mathematician needs.

titchy · 22/08/2025 12:33

Cross post - have you looked at Engineerjng degree uni requirements? They’d ask for Maths I think, though foundation year entry may give her options that don’t need Maths AL.

ConBatulations · 22/08/2025 12:34

Dropping maths will reduce the number of degrees open to her e.g. lots of Physics, engineering and computer science degrees. If these are not of interest then it won't matter as much.
However, moving to a boys school to do maths which will be majority boys may not be the best option. She really would need to have the confidence to ask for help if she doesn't understand something.

Original poster
Freedom2025 · 22/08/2025 12:34

titchy · 22/08/2025 12:33

Cross post - have you looked at Engineerjng degree uni requirements? They’d ask for Maths I think, though foundation year entry may give her options that don’t need Maths AL.

Yes, have looked at uni requirements. I think if she doesn’t do maths she’d have to pick something else other than engineering.

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FitnessIsTheOnlyWealth · 22/08/2025 12:35

How many marks did she miss the grade 8 by?

mamagogo1 · 22/08/2025 12:37

I would caution against maths or physics as they are really difficult a levels unless you are good at maths. Even with 9’s at gcse my dd had to work really hard for her a level grade a maths and b physics

TeenToTwenties · 22/08/2025 12:47

Page 8 | Yearly warning not to take A-level maths with less than a 7 at GCSE | Mumsnet

This thread may be helpful.

Someone predicted an 8 who just missed it should be more than capable of doing maths A level if willing to work at it.

Has she done the bridging work / brushed up on what she couldn't do in the school's pre-GCSE assessment test?

Original poster
Freedom2025 · 22/08/2025 12:58

FitnessIsTheOnlyWealth · 22/08/2025 12:35

How many marks did she miss the grade 8 by?

About 8 or 10.

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AgeingDoc · 22/08/2025 12:59

I'd agree with those saying work backwards from what she wants to do longer term.
Whilst it is possible to get onto some Engineering courses without Maths A level it's not easy and not having Maths will markedly reduce her options. So if she is serious about pursuing Engineering or similar I would suggest she does A level Maths even if it does mean moving schools. I understand her being anxious about the change, but if she sticks where she is for the short term security she is potentially limiting her options and making life harder than it needs to be longer term.
Maths A level is difficult, and yes, with a 7 at GCSE she is going to have to work hard, but it's certainly not impossible. Both my DS's got 7s in Maths at GCSE. One has just graduated with a first in an engineering discipline and the other one is currently part way through his degree in a different type of engineering and also on schedule for a first.
There's a bit of a tendency on Mumsnet for posters to predict doom for anyone who doesn't get a 9 for GCSE and A stars for A level Maths and Further Maths, and it is true that there are some courses that only take people with those sort of grades. But there are lots of perfectly respectable institutions with good graduate employment figures who don't. I'm from a very Engineering focused family - I've got siblings, a husband, children and nephews and nieces who are all Engineers of one type or another and I don't think any of them got top grades in Maths. Yes, it's easier for those who are great at Maths and it does leave more doors open. But there are lots of options for those who are not brilliant natural mathematicians but are prepared to put the work in. And there are lots of successful Engineers earning a good living in their profession who didn't go to Oxbridge or Imperial, so if Engineering is the direction she really wants to go in, don't let a good but not stellar GCSE Maths result put her off. It's a very broad discipline with lots and lots of possibilities.

MiddleAgedDread · 22/08/2025 13:01

Don't drop the maths if she's considering engineering or physics at uni! Isn't a 7 the equivalent of an A? If so, I can't believe they won't let her do Alevel.

Original poster
Freedom2025 · 22/08/2025 13:06

AgeingDoc · 22/08/2025 12:59

I'd agree with those saying work backwards from what she wants to do longer term.
Whilst it is possible to get onto some Engineering courses without Maths A level it's not easy and not having Maths will markedly reduce her options. So if she is serious about pursuing Engineering or similar I would suggest she does A level Maths even if it does mean moving schools. I understand her being anxious about the change, but if she sticks where she is for the short term security she is potentially limiting her options and making life harder than it needs to be longer term.
Maths A level is difficult, and yes, with a 7 at GCSE she is going to have to work hard, but it's certainly not impossible. Both my DS's got 7s in Maths at GCSE. One has just graduated with a first in an engineering discipline and the other one is currently part way through his degree in a different type of engineering and also on schedule for a first.
There's a bit of a tendency on Mumsnet for posters to predict doom for anyone who doesn't get a 9 for GCSE and A stars for A level Maths and Further Maths, and it is true that there are some courses that only take people with those sort of grades. But there are lots of perfectly respectable institutions with good graduate employment figures who don't. I'm from a very Engineering focused family - I've got siblings, a husband, children and nephews and nieces who are all Engineers of one type or another and I don't think any of them got top grades in Maths. Yes, it's easier for those who are great at Maths and it does leave more doors open. But there are lots of options for those who are not brilliant natural mathematicians but are prepared to put the work in. And there are lots of successful Engineers earning a good living in their profession who didn't go to Oxbridge or Imperial, so if Engineering is the direction she really wants to go in, don't let a good but not stellar GCSE Maths result put her off. It's a very broad discipline with lots and lots of possibilities.

This is encouraging! Thank you.

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Original poster
Freedom2025 · 22/08/2025 13:07

MiddleAgedDread · 22/08/2025 13:01

Don't drop the maths if she's considering engineering or physics at uni! Isn't a 7 the equivalent of an A? If so, I can't believe they won't let her do Alevel.

Yes, can’t believe an A (7) is seen as not a very good grade!

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kateandsam · 22/08/2025 13:12

My son achieved a 7 at maths (& physics)GCSE a few years ago & went on to get an A at A'level (with some private tutoring help). He is now doing aeronautical engineering, so it is possible.

Maths A'level really is very important to do engineering, although she may be able to get on to a foundation course without it (need to check this).

Is there any chance of persuading her school to let her on the course at all?

Original poster
Freedom2025 · 22/08/2025 13:17

kateandsam · 22/08/2025 13:12

My son achieved a 7 at maths (& physics)GCSE a few years ago & went on to get an A at A'level (with some private tutoring help). He is now doing aeronautical engineering, so it is possible.

Maths A'level really is very important to do engineering, although she may be able to get on to a foundation course without it (need to check this).

Is there any chance of persuading her school to let her on the course at all?

Impressive work from your son. We asked in person yesterday at the school but the answer was no. We’ve emailed them today to ask again and waiting for a response.

OP posts:
AgeingDoc · 22/08/2025 14:10

Freedom2025 · 22/08/2025 13:07

Yes, can’t believe an A (7) is seen as not a very good grade!

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It is a very good result OP, and at most schools a 7 would not prevent a student from studying A level in any subject (except probably Further Maths). It's probably the lowest grade that many would recommend for A level Maths specifically* *but it is still very much do-able. It seems that your DD is at a high performing selective school who can afford to be very fussy because they have enough pupils who got 8 or 9 to fill an A level class. And let's face it, it's going to make life easier for the staff and probably lead to some excellent A level results for the cohort so from the school's perspective it makes complete sense. But what is best for the school is not necessarily what is best for your daughter.
I completely understand her anxiety about moving schools for 6th form because I did it. I was the only new pupil in my 6th form and at first I absolutely hated it. New teachers, the step up to A level, new buildings, new routines that everyone except me knew, and everyone else in long established friendship groups. It was a bit different fir me as I was at a truly terrible school before then and was glad to move to somewhere better but I was still leaving friends and familiarity so it was really hard. But by Christmas it was like I'd always been there and that short term pain led to long term gains. At least your DD would have a cohort of other new girls, most of whom will probably have the same anxieties. The desire to stay where she is is completely natural but she does need to consider the future. If settling for A levels she doesn't really want to do means that she then has to settle for a degree that isn't really what she wants to do and possibly ultimately a career that isn't the best fit for her, will she feel that the "safe" decision around which 6th form to attend was really worth it?
As well as looking at Engineering requirements I'd also approach it from the other direction and look at what degrees she could do with Physics, Biology and Psychology and what kind of careers they are then likely to lead to. Is there anything there that appeals or not? I know it's hard to know at 16, but if she has at least an idea of what kind of things sound interesting or not it may help.
But most importantly, she has got a great set of exam results to be proud of and lots of doors will be open to her. She's clearly a very able girl and absolutely should not feel that she has "failed" at this stage in her life because she "only" got a very good grade for her Maths rather than the absolute top grade.

bumbaloo · 22/08/2025 14:16

Freedom2025 · 22/08/2025 12:31

She was working at 8 and was predicted an 8. She enjoys it but I get what you’re saying.

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What do you think the reason was for the 7. Was it that she is understanding and operating at 7 level or is it that she miss read questions, didn’t understand fully what the question was requiring (in other words, non maths related weaknesses)

if it is the later then there is every reason to believe given another 2 years, her question interpretation will improve significantly. If it is that the math content itself was challenging then it wouldn’t be wise to pursue maths a-level.

physics and psychology will benefit from maths and most engineering degrees require maths. But all but the vast majority. Anyone without it would find the degree very challenging.

can you find out the reason for the 7 and if it is more the questions rather than the content speak with the school again?