Taking maths A level early?

I have just started year 10, but I have learnt all the GCSE content. I am also halfway through FM GCSE, and I am getting through it quite quickly (possibly taking it at the end of this year??)

I'm wondering if I should start teaching myself A level since I have had the Year 1 books for a while and don't have much to do in maths lessons, I would aim to take it in summer of 2026. Would it help with applying for maths at Oxbridge, since I'd be doing some of the A level work? For sixth form I would take FM, CS, and Physics.

The alternative is that I put less time towards maths and more time towards my GCSE's (especially subjects like english, biology, and geography, which I am less interested in). Which are more important? GCSEs or A levels?

(edited 3 months ago)

Reply 1

Ellejules

Hi there! It’s great you’ve gone through all the gcse content, but personally, i would recommend focusing on your GCSEs first. Maybe to fill in the time you can have a go at some a level maths, but at this time i think its best to prioritise your GCSEs. Oxbridge wont know that you’ve been teaching yourself a level maths since year 10. They care more about the fact you’ve got the grades and suit their idea of a good candidate. They also consider your GCSEs, not in the same way they look at your a levels, but they do pay attention to it and expect you to have mostly (if not all) 7s 8s and 9s. So my suggestion is to focus on getting those grades first and if you find some extra time during revision with nothing to do, have a go at some a level maths content.

Reply 2

Muttley79

Original post by Isa1088

I have just started year 10, but I have learnt all the GCSE content. I am also halfway through FM GCSE, and I am getting through it quite quickly (possibly taking it at the end of this year??)
I'm wondering if I should start teaching myself A level since I have had the Year 1 books for a while and don't have much to do in maths lessons, I would aim to take it in summer of 2026. Would it help with applying for maths at Oxbridge, since I'd be doing some of the A level work? For sixth form I would take FM, CS, and Physics.
The alternative is that I put less time towards maths and more time towards my GCSE's (especially subjects like english, biology, and geography, which I am less interested in). Which are more important? GCSEs or A levels?

I teach Maths and wouldn't advise this. Ask for extension work, do UKMT challenges and read around topics that interest you. Maybe ask about mentoring? https://ukmt.org.uk/enrichment/mentoring

Good GCSE grades across the board are also important.

Have you read any of Rob Eastaway's books: https://robeastaway.com/books

Reply 3

Muttley79