Key Stage 4 | King's College Alicante

Leading A-Level Education in Alicante

Our Pearson International Advanced Level (A-Level) programme at King’s College School Alicante offers students aged 16 to 18 a first-class academic pathway, providing subject specialisation and a strong foundation for university success. Recognised globally as the “Gold Standard” of UK secondary and sixth form education, A-Level qualifications open doors to leading universities in Spain, the UK and worldwide.

From September 2025, students will also benefit from a dual pathway, choosing between A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). This reflects our commitment to personalised education, enabling each student to follow the route that best suits their strengths and ambitions.

The A-Level programme is designed to let students focus on their academic strengths by choosing 3–4 subjects. With expert teaching and small class sizes, our Sixth Formers benefit from rigorous preparation, tailored support and access to excellent facilities.

Beyond academics, we provide outstanding pastoral care, leadership opportunities and expert university counselling. Students also take part in enrichment activities such as community service, research projects and life-skills programmes, helping them grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.

With a strong record of success, King’s College School Alicante consistently secures places for its graduates at prestigious universities worldwide. Whether students choose the A-Level or IBDP route, they join a school community with proven academic excellence, dedicated support and a clear focus on preparing them for university and beyond.

Why Choose Our School to Study A-Levels in Alicante?

Our school offers a distinctive A-Level experience, combining the excellence of a British education with an individualised approach and small class sizes. We guide students of diverse abilities to achieve their full potential while developing independence, confidence, and 21st-century skills.

Through opportunities such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), leadership and community service, our Sixth Formers strengthen their university applications. Graduates from King’s College School Alicante progress to leading universities in Spain and abroad, including Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Harvard, and McGill. With expert teaching, personalised guidance, and a rich extracurricular programme, we prepare students to reach their most ambitious goals.

Benefits of Studying A-Levels

The A-Level pathway is one of the most respected pre-university qualifications worldwide, providing students with the depth of study and academic rigour needed to succeed at university. At King’s College School Alicante, the A-Level course offers students a clear route to higher education, both in Spain and internationally, supported by consistent academic success and personalised guidance.

Studying A-Levels shows universities and employers that candidates possess the discipline and independence to manage demanding academic work. Beyond specialist subject knowledge, our students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills through projects such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which further strengthens their university applications.

As British-qualified A-Level educators, we guide senior students to select subjects that match their strengths and interests, ensuring they study them in real depth. The A-Level curriculum is rigorous and challenging, but it equips students with a solid foundation in specific academic disciplines and prepares them with the resilience, focus, and transferable skills required for success at university and beyond.

A-Level Curriculum

At King’s College School Alicante, A-Level students typically select three or four subjects to study in depth over a two-year period. This internationally recognised post-16 programme, examined by Pearson Edexcel, is designed to provide both academic specialisation and the essential skills required for university.

In the first year of study, students build a strong foundation in their chosen subjects, while in the second year they consolidate and expand their knowledge, understanding, and analytical abilities. Throughout the course, learners are encouraged to:

Gain an advanced command of subject content
Develop independence and self-motivation in their learning
Apply knowledge effectively in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts
Analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources
Think critically and present well-structured, coherent arguments
Make balanced decisions and recommendations based on evidence
Communicate ideas and reasoning clearly, especially in English

In addition to their core A-Level subjects, students also prepare for a Spanish qualification at a level appropriate to them, with most completing A-Level Spanish in Year 13. Those who opt for Further Mathematics are also required to take Mathematics A-Level to ensure full preparation and progression.

Subjects Taught at A-Level

At King’s College School Alicante, A-Level students normally select three or four subjects to study in depth over two years. All A-Level courses are timetabled for five hours per week, with the exception of Spanish for native speakers, which is delivered over four hours. Students opting for Further Mathematics are also required to take Mathematics A-Level, ensuring the right level of preparation and progression.

In addition to their chosen subjects, all students continue to develop their Spanish language skills. Depending on their background, they may follow either the Spanish for native speakers course or the Spanish as a foreign language course, with most completing Spanish A-Level in Year 13. This dual focus provides students with valuable qualifications recognised in Spain and internationally.

Our broad A-Level offer provides students with the flexibility to match their subject choices to their university and career ambitions. Provisional subjects include:

Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Mathematics: Mathematics, Further Mathematics
Languages: Spanish (for natives and non-natives), French, German, Mandarin
Humanities & Social Sciences: History, Geography, Economics, Business Studies, Psychology
Arts & Creative Subjects: Art & Design, Music, Physical Education
Technology & Computing: Computer Science, ICT
English: English Literature

This wide range of subjects, combined with personalised academic guidance, ensures that each student can design a programme of study that reflects their interests, strengths, and aspirations for higher education.

Requirements to Study A-Levels

Pupils from the British system wishing to enter the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) are required to have a minimum of 5 passes at (I)GCSE (including Mathematics and English as a first language), with grade C (5) or above, normally requiring grade A (7) or B (6) in subjects chosen for A-Level study. (I)GCSE grades at A* (9 & 8) or A (7) are usually required for the study of Mathematics A-Level.

Learn More about A-Levels

At King’s College School Alicante, we are proud to offer one of the most successful A-Level programmes in the region, guiding students towards both their academic ambitions and personal growth within our supportive school community. The A-Level pathway provides deep subject expertise, advanced learning skills, and internationally recognised qualifications that open pathways to leading universities in Spain and around the world. Explore the sections above to discover the many benefits of choosing an A-Level education with us.

Learn More