Which A Level Exam Board is Best? (AQA, Edexcel, OCR)
Which A Level Exam Board is Best? (AQA, Edexcel, OCR)
Created:Updated: 13-September-2025
Choosing an exam board is one of the first decisions you’ll make when studying A Levels online. Here’s how AQA, Edexcel and OCR compare—and how to decide which is best for you.
What is an exam board?
Exam boards design the syllabus, set exam papers and award grades for A Levels. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the three main boards are AQA, Edexcel (Pearson), and OCR.
All are Ofqual-regulated and equally recognised by UK universities and employers. Are online A Levels recognised?
How do exam boards differ?
- Content & syllabus: All cover the same subject criteria, but order and depth of topics vary.
- Assessment style: Some boards lean more on exams, others include more coursework/practical assessment.
- Exam paper style: Question wording and structure can differ; some styles may suit your strengths better.
- Resources: Textbooks, revision guides and past papers are more widely available for some boards than others.
Always check the official specification. How are A Levels graded?
Is one exam board easier?
No. Ofqual regulates standards so A Levels are equivalent across boards. Universities treat them the same.
That said, you might find one syllabus or exam style better matches your interests or strengths.
Are some boards better for certain subjects?
Yes. For example:
- AQA: Sciences, Psychology, Sociology
- Edexcel: Maths, Business, Economics
- OCR: Humanities, Philosophy, Politics
These are general trends—always review the specification to see which fits best. Browse A Level subjects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does exam board choice affect university entry?
No—universities accept all Ofqual-regulated A Levels equally.
Can I switch exam boards mid-course?
It’s possible but not advised; syllabus coverage and assessment methods often differ significantly.
Can I mix boards across my A Levels?
Yes—you can sit different subjects with different boards, depending on your provider and exam centre.
What about international students?
Some boards (e.g., Edexcel International) run global syllabuses. Always confirm recognition with your chosen universities. Studying A Levels abroad.