Apply with your actual qualification, not a homemade Leaving Certificate equivalent. A/AS-level and GCSE applicants have their own CAO category and evidence requirements. For 2027, enter exam boards, centre and candidate numbers, subjects and levels accurately. CAO Handbook 2027, printed pages 10–11.
Current results and previous results
For earlier examinations, send exam-board certificates or statements of results immediately. School-produced documents are not sufficient. Include GCSEs because the college may need them for minimum entry requirements even though your A levels supply the competitive score.
CAO expects to obtain summer 2027 British and Northern Ireland A/AS-level results electronically using the details you supply. Follow its results-check email. If you sit A levels outside the UK, arrange to send official results as soon as available; CAO cannot guarantee access to them. Handbook, printed pages 10–11.
How A-level points are scored
Current published scoring, checked September 2026; not a newly confirmed 2027 scoring notice. The CAO scoring page gives the following:
| Grade | Best three A levels, each | Fourth A level | AS level or EPQ |
|---|---|---|---|
| A* | 192 | 24 | 24 |
| A | 165 | 24 | 24 |
| B | 142 | 20 | 20 |
| C | 120 | 18 | 18 |
| D | 100 | 16 | 16 |
| E | 67 | 14 | 14 |
The fourth A level uses a lower scale. Do not score four A levels using the first column. Permitted A/AS combinations, sitting rules and the qualifying mathematics bonus are explained on the official GCE scoring page. Check them for your combination; this is not the UCAS tariff.
A worked example
Under that published table, A, B and C at A level contribute 165 + 142 + 120 = 427. A fourth A level at D contributes 16, giving 443 before any applicable mathematics bonus. This example illustrates the table, not eligibility for a course or confirmed future-year points.
Points and entry requirements are separate
The college decides whether your subjects and grades meet its entry requirements. Do not omit GCSE evidence or assume a high total replaces a required subject. Applicants using GCE/GCSE results are considered in Round One and subsequent rounds. Handbook, printed page 11.
Before submitting, check supporting documents, preference order and your college's current admissions page.
Sources and verification
Checked 7 September 2026 against CAO Handbook 2027, printed pages 10–11, and the GCE scoring page linked above. The application instructions are 2027-specific. The scoring webpage still uses a 2026 sitting example, so reconfirm scoring before relying on it for 2027.