Business A Level AQA

Applications Open – 3rd November 2025

Applications Close – 31st July 2026

Entry Requirements –We do have entry recommendations for some courses, especially A-levels, as we would not want you to start a course that would not be suitable for you. We want to give you the best chance of future success.

The course programmes are flexible: students can mix Level 3 courses with Level 2 courses, or A-levels with BTECs. We provide impartial advice and guidance and seek to put you on the courses you want and are likely to be successful in.

Students are expected to study up to 3 A level equivalent subjects (this can be from either A levels and/or Level 3 BTEC subjects) building their own personalised combination of Level 3 subjects OR a full time Level 2 course.

The sixth form runs on a flexible timetable with some courses running until 6.00pm. This flexibility means we can offer as much as possible, to as many as possible, as often as possible.

How to Apply – Please apply via Kent Choices.

View our courses here

A Level business studies helps the students develop a critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value to an organisation. Students will study the aspects of business behaviour from the perspective of different types of stakeholders. Students will be presented with the opportunity to develop their decision making and problem solving skills by analysing key data and justifying strategies for different types of businesses to adopt based on their structure and business practices.

The course specification will require students to develop their ability by acquiring a range of important and transferable skills that will include: data skills, presenting arguments, making judgements and conducting research.

This course has no course work or controlled assessments. You will be studying with the AQA exam board.

Year 1 Content

• What is business?
• Mangers, leadership and decision making
• Decision making to improve marketing performance
• Decision making to improve financial performance
• Decision making to improve human resource performance.

Year 2 Content:

• Analysis strategic position of a business
• Choosing strategic direction
• Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies
• Managing strategic change

A Level, students sit three summer examinations.

PAPER 1

What is assessed?

All content above (Year 1 content) plus:

• Analysis strategic position of a business( A level only)
• Choosing strategic direction (A level only)
• Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies (A level only)
• Managing strategic change (A level only)

Assessed

• Written exam: 2 hours 100 marks in total
• 33.3% of A-level

Questions

Three compulsory sections:

• Section A has 15 multiple choice questions (MCQs) worth 15 marks.
• Section B has short answer questions worth 35 marks.

Sections C and D have two essay questions (choice of one from two and one from two) worth 25 marks each

PAPER 2

What is assessed?

All content above (Year 1 content) plus:

• Analysis strategic position of a business( A level only)
• Choosing strategic direction (A level only)
• Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies (A level only)
• Managing strategic change (A level only)

Assessed

• Written exam: 2 hours
• 100 marks in total
• 33.3% of A-level

Questions

Three data response compulsory questions worth approximately 33 marks each and made up of three or four part questions.

PAPER 3

What's assessed?

All content above (Year 1 content) plus:

• Analysis strategic position of a business( A level only)
• Choosing strategic direction (A level only)
• Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies (A level only)
• Managing strategic change (A level only)

Assessed

Written exam: 2 hours 100 marks in total 33.3% of A-level

Questions

One compulsory case study followed by approximately six questions

We would recommend a grade 6 at GCSE in business or a merit in BTEC business. You should also demonstrate an interest in the subject area.

Vocation

Students who study A level business will be adequately equipped to be gainfully employed in a variety of corporations that operate with in the business and finance sector, such as:

· Business management

· Finance management

· Marketing executive

Academic

This course will enable you to study a variety of degree pathways in, business and finance.