The decoupled AS qualification

[oriol]

Any views on whether this is worth taking? Will universities even look at the result?3 A-levels and a stand alone AS or just 3 A-levels?

It does give you extra UCAS points, if you're lacking some it can push you over the edge. I'd say if it's an enjoyable subject and doesn't push the workload too high it's definitely worth doing.

Won't be expected, 3 a levels only from the start is now the norm. It's a nice to have, and maybe useful if you have a kid that can't decide the final three. Some caveats to that obviously, but broadly not needed.

It may not be needed by the universities, but some sixth forms that are offering the new AS may have a minimum standard that Y12 pupils have to reach in order to progress onto Y13.

Another thought is that any exam can go badly on the day and if getting an A is not relevant (other than more UCAS points) getting a B or lower may be damaging as the stand alone AS results must be declared.The risk/benefit equation rather favours not sitting the exam even if you have done the course.

A grade B won't be damaging as this is still a good result. The unis will be looking at predicted A level results and their websites state that they won't be discriminating between pupils who have taken AS exams and those that haven't.
Many sixth forms require a C or above at the end of Y12 to move to Y13 (some may allow a D) so it's results below C that are most damaging.
See also the attached link university.which.co.uk/advice/a-level-choices/why-your-as-level-grades-really-matter

I am going to go further back than Tiggy. To a time when AO levels existed. If you had under performed at O level it was not unheard of to take an AO in lower sixth in the hope that it would indicate to the universities of your potential at A level or alternatively to broaden you out abit.