Do Online A Levels Follow Term Dates?
If you’re considering studying A Levels online, one of the first questions you might ask is: Do online A Levels follow traditional school term dates? The short answer is: not necessarily.
Here’s a breakdown of how online A Levels work and what that means for your calendar.
1. Online A Levels Are Typically Flexible
Unlike traditional schools or colleges, most online learning platforms that offer A Levels are not bound by the academic calendar. This means you can usually:
- Start at any time of year
- Study at your own pace
- Take breaks when needed
- Set your own study schedule
This flexibility is one of the main advantages of studying A Levels online, especially for students who are working, caregiving, travelling, or managing health conditions.
2. Exam Dates Still Follow a National Schedule
While your study timetable is flexible, your exams are not. Online A Level students must still sit their exams in May/June (and sometimes October/November, depending on the exam board). These are set nationally by exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR, or Cambridge (CAIE).
👉 Key takeaway: You can study when you like, but you must plan to be ready for exams by the official exam dates.
3. Some Online Schools Offer Structured Courses
Although many online A Level providers offer full flexibility, some do follow a more structured term-style system. This can include:
- Weekly virtual classes or live sessions
- Fixed term dates and holidays
- Scheduled assignment deadlines
This is ideal if you want more structure and teacher interaction, similar to a traditional school setting — but online.
4. Planning Your Own “Term Dates”
One of the best parts about studying A Levels online is that you can create your own “term dates”:
- Take a break in the off-season or when you need it
- Speed up your learning if you want to complete your A Levels early
- Spread it out if you need extra time for personal commitments
Conclusion: Term Dates Are in Your Hands (Mostly)
Online A Levels offer freedom from the rigid term structures of traditional schools. While exams still follow fixed national schedules, your learning doesn’t have to.
If you thrive with flexibility, online A Levels might be a perfect fit.
Need Help Choosing an Online A Level Course?
Whether you’re looking for a flexible independent program or something more structured, we can help guide you. Explore our resources to learn more!