GCSE results

This information is for students who have received their GCSE results, and who may be thinking of applying to Oxford for entry in 2015.

What GCSE grades do I need? 

There is no absolute requirement for particular grades at GCSE, as there are no fixed examination results that must be attained for admission to Oxford University. Each application is considered carefully on its individual merits. When we look at GCSE results, we look at them in the context of the overall performance of the school or college where you studied. So if, for example, you didn’t get all A* and A grades, but your results were among the best in your year group, that will be taken into account.

However, competition for places is strong and many applicants have all A* and A grades at GCSE. Unless there are particular extenuating circumstances, we could not be optimistic of an applicant’s chances of gaining a place at Oxford without a high percentage of A* and A grades at GCSE.

Tutors are looking for evidence of academic ability as well as commitment and motivation for the chosen degree course. They will use GCSE results as one indicator of abilities, along with predicted grades at A-level, the personal statement, academic reference, any written work or tests that are required and, for shortlisted applications, performance at interview.

Candidates who feel that they under-performed at GCSE may be able to compensate for this by demonstrating clear upward progression at AS-level as well as in predicted or achieved A-level scores. We suggest that you refer to this in your personal statement. It could also be useful if the teacher comments in the academic reference.

What A-level subjects should I choose? 

Certain A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) are prerequisites for some Oxford degree courses, particularly in the sciences. Some A-levels are also strongly recommended, though not formally required, and others are regarded as helpful to students as background for their degree course but, again, they are not formally required. You can see the full list in our table of requirements. Once any subjects requirements have been met, any other subjects at A-level are acceptable for admissions purposes, with the exception of General Studies (and both General Studies and Critical Thinking for students applying to study Medicine).

We generally recommend that students take those subjects which they enjoy the most, and where they are most likely to achieve top grades. However, as the selection criteria for Oxford University are entirely academic, it is also a good idea for students to consider how best they can demonstrate their academic abilities in their choice of A-level subjects. Also, students may wish to remember that Oxford's methods of teaching and learning are very strongly academic. As well as tutorials and lectures students are required to do a great deal of personal studying, reading and preparing essays or other academic work. Students may therefore also wish to consider which A-levels would prepare them best for this style of learning.

Will it help my application if I take more than three A-levels? 

All courses at Oxford are very competitive, and offers are usually between A*A*A and AAA depending on the subject. Please our course pages for detailed entrance requirements for your course. Some candidates take a fourth or even fifth subject, as this can be one way of demonstrating the academic abilities that will be required for the intense studying of an Oxford degree. However, taking extra A-levels is certainly not the only way to demonstrate your abilities. Tutors may prefer a candidate who has read around their subject beyond their school or college work, and who shows a great passion for their subject, over a candidate who may have taken more subjects, but who is not able to discuss their interests with any enthusiasm or in any depth.

We also advise candidates not to spread themselves too thinly across too many subjects, where they may risk dropping a grade or two in their results. Our offers are made on the basis of letter grades rather than UCAS Tariff points, so three A*/A grades would be sufficient to meet most conditional offers, but two As and two Bs would not.

You may like to refer to our suggestions for wider reading.