WJEC A-Levels Explained: What They Are, How They Work, and Your Online A-Level Options
WJEC A-levels explained: what WJEC and Eduqas are, how they compare with AQA, Edexcel & OCR, and your online A-level options in England.
By Dr Mark Fielding, Head of A Levels and GCSEs·Published ·10 min read
What WJEC and Eduqas are
WJEC (Welsh Joint Education Committee) is a UK awarding body. WJEC is used mainly in Wales; Eduqas is WJEC's brand for England. Both award full A-levels graded A*-E and are accepted by UK universities through UCAS.
How WJEC compares with AQA, Edexcel and OCR
No board is objectively harder. All are regulated to the same national standard. What differs is specification content, exam style and subject availability.
Does Lift College offer WJEC A-levels?
No. Lift College delivers A-levels through AQA, Edexcel (Pearson) and OCR only. Those boards are equally recognised by UK universities.
Studying A-levels online
Online A-levels suit motivated learners who need flexibility. Written exams must be sat in person at an approved centre, typically in May-June. Lift College advises on finding centres.
Yes. WJEC A-levels are fully recognised by all UK universities and are processed through UCAS in exactly the same way as A-levels from AQA, Edexcel, or OCR. Universities assess the subject and the grade - not the awarding body.
Can I resit a WJEC A-level through a different exam board?
Yes, you can. There is no requirement to resit with the same awarding body. Many students who originally sat WJEC A-levels choose to resit through AQA, Edexcel, or OCR - for example, through an online provider such as Lift College. The content may differ slightly between specifications, so you would study the new board's specification from the start.
Does Lift College offer WJEC or Eduqas A-levels?
No. Lift College currently delivers A-levels through AQA, Edexcel (Pearson), and OCR. We do not offer courses through WJEC or Eduqas. However, our AQA, Edexcel, and OCR A-levels are equally recognised by UK universities and carry the same UCAS tariff points.
What is the difference between WJEC and Eduqas?
WJEC and Eduqas are both brands of the same organisation - the Welsh Joint Education Committee. WJEC specifications are primarily used in Wales; Eduqas specifications are designed for schools and colleges in England and must meet Ofqual's regulatory requirements. Both lead to full A-level qualifications graded A*-E.
How long does it take to complete an A-level online?
Most students studying an A-level online with Lift College complete their course in 12-24 months, depending on the subject and how much time they can commit each week. Courses are self-paced, so you can study around work, family, or other commitments.
Where do I sit my A-level exams if I study online?
A-level exams must be sat in person at an approved external exam centre - they cannot be taken at home. Lift College provides guidance on finding a suitable exam centre near you. Lift College advises you on finding an approved exam centre. Study-only learners book their own centre; +Exams plans include entry via Tutors and Exams centres.
Will universities know I studied online rather than at a school or sixth form?
No. Your A-level certificate shows the subject, the awarding body, and your grade. It does not indicate whether you studied at a school, sixth form, or online provider. Universities make offers based on predicted or achieved grades, not the mode of study.
What UCAS points does an A-level give me?
Under the current UCAS tariff, a full A-level is worth: A* = 56 points, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24, E = 16. These points are the same regardless of which awarding body issued the qualification.
Do I need any qualifications to start an A-level online?
Entry requirements vary by subject and provider. At Lift College there are no formal academic entry requirements. A GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in a related subject is recommended; A-level sciences and maths strongly assume GCSE grade 6+. Generally, a GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in the relevant subject - or a related subject - is recommended as a starting point.
Is studying A-levels online right for me?
Online A-levels suit motivated, self-directed learners who need flexibility. If you can manage your own study schedule, engage with online materials, and are committed to sitting formal exams at an approved centre, online study can be an effective and convenient route to an A-level qualification.
Take the next step
Ready to take the next step with Lift College?
Browse our qualifications and start your journey with a 7-day free trial. No card charged until day 8.
