TAKING A LEVEL BIOLOGY EXAMS?
Here's the information you need.
PRACTICAL ENDORSEMENT
The AS level has no practical assessment. However, 10% of the written exam questions will test you on practicals covered.
The A level can be taken with and without practicals. If you choose to take the practicals you will need to attend an exam centre for a number of days to carry out the 12 required practicals. Contact your exam centre early to arrange. For more information on preparing for this see the lesson folder 'practical endorsement' at the end of the A level course.
Q&A
If I take AS level exams can I use them in the A level a year later?
No. You will need to take the three A level exam papers regardless of whether you took the AS exams.
What is the point of the AS level?
It provides a break in the course for students to 'quit' and still gain a very valuable qualification.
You can take the exams as a practice run if you like.
It allows students to begin 4 or 5 A levels but 'drop' some they do not like.
Do universities accept AS level?
Yes. Universities work on UCAS points. Different universities and courses require a different number of UCAS points. AS levels carry less points than a full A level but can still contribute to an application.
Is a practical endorsement recommended?
Yes, if it is within budget. Practicals are often a key focus on university STEM courses and this can help you prepare.
However, it can be expensive. Many universities now accept students on to science courses without the practical endorsement. This is especially the case if you explain your reasons why. Many universities write their requirements on their course website. However do not be deterred if they say you need it. Contact them and explain the situation. Do not approach the university admin or HR. Directly approach the department you are interested in. Admin will read off the website. Lecturers in the department will offer bespoke advice and knowledge.
What happens if I do not take the practical endorsement?
You A level certificate will read something like Tony Stark A level Biology grade A.
If you do take the practical endorsement it will read something like Tony Stark A level biology grade A with practical endorsement pass.
Can I take the practical endorsement after the A level?
No. The pass will be written on your A level certificate. However, most exam centres should offer a certificate from themselves verifying you took the assessment. This should hold up in most situations.
WHEN ARE MY EXAMS?
Summer 2026
If you are taking the exams in Summer 2025 here are your final dates.
AS LEVEL BIOLOGY
Paper 1 11th May 2025 AM Duration: 1 hr 30 mins
Paper 2 21st May 2025 AM Duration: 1 hr 30 mins
A LEVEL BIOLOGY
Paper 1 4th June 2025 PM Duration: 2 hours
Paper 2 12th Jun 2025 AM Duration: 2 hours
Paper 3 16th June 2025 AM Duration: 2 hours
The timetable showing all subjects can be found here.
WHERE WILL I TAKE THE EXAMS?
Select an exam centre of your choice. Click here for an excellent guide to your local centres. This resource is developed by home educators. It’s worth ringing local private schools, colleges and state schools to see if they will accept you, even if they are not listed here. International schools are a good starting point for students that live abroad.
We currently partner with Tutors & exams centres across the UK. You are entitled to discounted fees as a SWSS student. Please contact us for the discount code.
WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD I GIVE MY EXAM CENTRE?
Send them your subject’s information below. Students living outside the UK may need slightly different information. Please contact us with your country of residence if you need this.
AS LEVEL BIOLOGY
AQA Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Biology - entry code: 7401
Paper 1 code: 7401/1
Paper 2 code: 7401/2
Specification link: click here
A LEVEL BIOLOGY
AQA Advanced Level GCE in Biology – entry code: 7402
Paper 1 code: 7402/1
Paper 2 code: 7402/2
Paper 3 code: 7402/3
Specification link: click here
If you wish to take the practical endorsement they may need the code 7402/C
If you’ve taken (I)GCSE or A level before also give the centre your candidate number (found on your results script).
HOW MUCH WILL THE EXAMS COST?
AQA charge schools and exam centres:
AS level biology £63.40
A level biology £110.70
You will likely need to pay admin and invigilator fees on top of this. These will vary depending on the centre and usually ranges from an additional £20 - £200.
DEADLINES
You must organise and pay exams by set deadlines chosen by your exam centre. After this, you will be charged an extra fee or not allowed to take the exam. For summer exams you can start ringing exam centres in the September before. Deadlines are normally around February before the summer exams but some centres will have deadlines earlier or later. Check with them.
THE EXAM DATES CLASH WITH ANOTHER EXAM I AM TAKING. WHAT DO I DO?
Talk to your centre. They should have procedures in place to deal with this.
I AM ENTITLED TO SPECIAL RIGHTS IN MY EXAM
Talk to exam centres early and ask for their advice. Just because you are entitled to support/certain changes does not mean you will get it. Some exam centres are not equipped to deal with anything outside the ‘norm’. It is worth shopping around for a centre that suits your needs. Once you have found your centre, practice working under your exam conditions. For example, it can take time to accustom yourself to answering questions through a scribe or draw diagrams on a computer.
WHAT EXAMS AM I TAKING?
This depends on whether you are taking the A level or AS level.