A level

American  

[ey lev-uhl] / ˈeɪ ˌlɛv əl /

noun

British.

1. a public examination requiring advanced knowledge in a subject and taken at the end of secondary school, usually two years after O level.

2. a pass in this examination.

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A level British  

noun

1. 1. a public examination in a subject taken for the General Certificate of Education ( GCE ), usually at the age of 17–18

   2. the course leading to this examination

   3. ( as modifier )

      A-level maths

2. a pass in a particular subject at A level

   she has three A levels

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Etymology

Origin of A level

1950–55; A(dvanced) level

Compare meaning

How does a-level compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• O level vs. A level

Example Sentences

A level shift offers a dramatic experience when you step into the ADU, as the floor drops below to the art studio and the ceiling goes up, creating a sense of spaciousness.

From Los Angeles Times

Parents were told "lower than expected numbers" meant the curriculum would be "too adversely affected" to provide A level students with "the experience they require and deserve".

From BBC

A level 2 apprenticeship is considered the equivalent of a GCSE, while 6 and 7 are considered equivalent to a bachelor's or master's degree.

From BBC

A level 11 wind, according to the China Meteorological Administration, can cause "serious damage", while a level 12 wind brings "extreme destruction".

From BBC

Scotland finished with wins at home to Croatia and away to Poland to end their first campaign at A level on seven points.

From BBC