Will I Be Able to Handle French Distance Learning Fast-Track A-Level?

Hello! My question is about distance learning, how hard it is to do so for French, and how I can keep my level of French up.

Since always, I've been a dedicated French learner. However, after moving schools (to a much better grammar school sixth form), I discovered I couldn't fulfil my want of continuing French to A-Level. This might have been for the better: the French class at my 6th form is a massive 20 students. Still, after I discovered that the majority of universities don't let students do a year abroad in Europe - or even do Language SSCs! - unless they have a qualification (preferably A-Level) in that language, I feel like I have to take things into my own hands if I want to continue into fluency.

Although, I only just missed the A* at GCSE French, I'm taking Chemistry, Biology, History and EngLit for A-Levels - which are pretty serious subjects that require dedication.

I've always wanted to grow my fluency by going to France for my year abroad - I'd rather go to a completely different uni than do a course without a year abroad (I want to do medicine).

As a result, I've done a lot of research into distance learning, online courses, out-of-school tuition, fluency tests and evening classes. My question is, due to the intensity of my A-Level subjects, should I get a (preferably UCAS-recognised) qualification while I'm just out of GCSE French or wait until I potentially drop one? Should I get a tutor or could I do learn well with it just online? Would it be more realistic if I did a Short Course/AS Level rather than a 2-year A-Level, and if so which is better? Maybe I should fast-track over summer holidays? Do I simply get a tutor and see if I can raise my fluency, without getting a certificate, and hope I can prove that I can speak French well enough?

Are there any people who have done either an A-Level language (whether in school or otherwise) or a Distance Learning/Fast Track course (whether French or otherwise) who could help?

Thanks,
Sharon

P.S - My main aim here is to keep my French levels up, and going to another country/doing classes on-campus are the most foreseeable ways of doing it. I want to be as able as possible to prove to the uni that I am able to do this, and an A in GCSE French isn't enough.

If your current A-Levels depend on what you want to do in the future then to be honest you shouldn't take French A-Level. The reason is whilst doing your current A-Levels and French you might run into the chance of missing out on grades because you might have focused on one too much than the other.

You make a good point, an A-Level would be way too intense. Still, an oral tutor, Cambridge short-course or a simple AS level might be survivable alternatives... Which one is the real question.