
Pearson Edexcel International AS & A Levels
Advanced qualifications for globally minded students aged 16–19. Combining live online teaching, Pearson-aligned resources, and structured exam preparation to pave your direct route to leading global universities.
The Pearson iProgress academic pathway
A seamless four-stage British curriculum journey designed for international students aged 3 to 19, culminating in worldwide university entry through International AS and A Levels.
1. iPrimary (ages 3–11)
Establishing core literacy, numeracy, and scientific enquiry early on. The iPrimary stage gives young learners the confidence and foundational skills needed to thrive in an international English-medium curriculum.
2. iLowerSecondary (ages 11–14)
Building analytical capability and academic breadth. This middle stage bridges primary learning and examination-level study, preparing students thoroughly for the demands of upper secondary courses.
3. International GCSE (ages 14–16)
Delivering globally bench-marked qualifications graded on the rigorous 9–1 scale. Students build subject mastery, critical thinking, and exam proficiency across key academic disciplines.
4. International AS & A Level (ages 16–19)
The pinnacle of the iProgress pathway, available across 22 subjects with flexible modular assessment. This final qualification unlocks direct progression to premier global universities worldwide.
What is Pearson Edexcel International A Level?
Pearson Edexcel International AS/A Levels — commonly known as IAS and IAL® — are advanced academic qualifications developed specifically for international learners. They provide progression from International GCSE and equivalent secondary qualifications to prepare students for university study and global employment. Comparable to UK GCE A Levels, this parity is confirmed by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC).
16–19
Typical learner age. Designed for ambitious students aged 16 to 19 transitioning from secondary education to advanced academic study and higher education.
22 subjects
Available from Pearson. A diverse range of subjects across sciences, humanities, business, and languages to match every student's future degree aspirations.
3 exam series
January • May/June • October. Pearson confirms flexible modular examination series across three sittings every year for most subjects, supporting optimal pacing.
A*–E
International A Level grading. Graded on the globally recognised standard scale, ensuring direct comparability with UK A Levels for worldwide university admissions.
Opening doors to universities worldwide
Pearson reports that close to 1,500 universities worldwide formally recognise Pearson Edexcel international qualifications. This prestigious acceptance includes all UK universities, 260 higher education institutions across the United States, and leading universities in 56 other countries around the globe.
Pearson Edexcel International A Levels are benchmarked and confirmed comparable to UK GCE A Levels, accepted by the world's top 20 universities. This provides Britannia International Academy learners with a proven, globally recognised qualification pathway straight into elite higher education.
International AS versus International A Level
International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS)
The International Advanced Subsidiary qualification can be taken as a standalone qualification. For students continuing along the path to the full International A Level, IAS units contribute exactly 50% toward the final overall IAL grade. This modular structure allows learners to bank their achievements early and build confidence before progressing to advanced stages.
International Advanced Level (IAL®)
To achieve the full International Advanced Level, students complete the full required set of units for their chosen subject and combine—or "cash in"—their unit results to receive their overall grade on the standard A*–E scale. This provides ultimate flexibility, whether learners aim for direct university entry worldwide or choose to benchmark their progress mid-way through their studies.
Your pathway to university
A clear, structured, and internationally benchmarked route designed to guide secondary learners seamlessly from foundation study directly into elite higher education institutions worldwide.
Stage 1: International GCSE
Establishing broad academic foundations, essential subject mastery, and critical thinking skills. Graded on the standard 9–1 scale, International GCSEs prepare learners for the rigorous demands of advanced pre-university qualifications.
Stage 2: International AS Level
Serving as either a standalone qualification or the first half of the full International A Level. Students bank 50% of their overall qualification score early through flexible modular assessments across three annual exam series.
Stage 3: International A Level
Completing advanced unit combinations across chosen specialisms to achieve full A*–E certification. Students cultivate independent inquiry, in-depth subject mastery, and high-level analytical reasoning.
Stage 4: University destination
Unlocking direct entry into world-leading universities across the UK, the United States, Canada, Australia, and over 50 other countries, backed by qualifications formally recognised by close to 1,500 institutions.
Take the next step towards university study
At Britannia International Academy®, students can work towards internationally recognised Pearson Edexcel International AS and A Level qualifications from wherever they are in the world. Our comprehensive approach pairs structured online learning and live subject teaching with official Pearson-aligned resources, ongoing academic progress monitoring, and focused examination preparation to secure entry into top global universities.