• AQA Bacc
• Your experiences
• How the Bacc works
• Depth of study
• Broader study
• Extended Project
• The AQA EPQ
• Enrichment activities
• What enrichment involves
• Enrichment Diary
• Eligible enrichment activities
• Enrichment providers
• Support and resources
• Registration
• Timeline

The AQA Bacc is built upon a solid foundation of rigorous academic study, provided by the specifications you already offer. To satisfy this element, we require the following:

• Three A-levels – we've kept these at the core of the AQA Bacc because A-levels remain the principal means of assessing post-16 learners and are a key criteria for entering higher education.
• Five GCSEs, including English and Maths, at grade A*– C as Prior Attainment – to indicate a good grounding, especially in literacy and numeracy.

The A-level element of the AQA Bacc:

• is completely flexible – students can pursue any combination of subjects from those you already offer, from any awarding organisation, including vocational A-levels and Double Awards
• carries significant weight in the grading of the AQA Bacc.

How is depth of study assessed?

Each student needs to achieve at least a grade E in three A-levels; the grades contribute to the level of AQA Bacc awarded, whether Pass, Merit or Distinction. If a student achieves more than three A-levels, their best three grades count towards their AQA Bacc award.

Other qualifications such as the Diploma or BTECs cannot be substituted.

Can students resit any part of the AQA Bacc?

As the AQA Bacc is typically a two year sixth form programme, most students will complete the AQA Bacc without undertaking resits in any elements. While it is possible for students to resit their year one AS-levels in year two, there is no time to resit their A-levels in the second year. It is not possible to resit the Enrichment element of the AQA Bacc.

How is prior attainment shown?

Prior attainment is similar to the requirements for progression to sixth form. Before being entered for the AQA Bacc, students have to achieve five GCSEs, including English and Maths, at grade A*–C.

In the year of entry (year 13) your school/college will need to complete the Prior Attainment Form to confirm your students have achieved these grades. The AQA Bacc cannot be awarded if these requirements have not been met.

Centres can consult NARIC or contact the AQA Bacc team to discuss international equivalencies.