Business Studies A Level 3

Applications Open – 21st November 2025

Applications Close – 30th April 2026

Entry Requirements – At least 5 GCSE passes at grades 9-5 in the new qualifications (or A*- B grade in the old GCSEs) including English (either Literature or Language if both were taken) and mathematics.

Preference on Advanced Level courses will be given to those students securing at least a grade 6 (or grade B in the old GCSE assessment system) in the subject they wish to study.

How to Apply – Please apply via KentChoices

COURSE - This is a thought provoking and stimulating subject. Its aim is to instil an awareness of how business operates, how the environment of the firm is a major determinant of how a firm operates and, in particular, what constraints firms face. Success in Business Studies depends upon mastering four key skills. They are Knowledge, Application, Analysis and Evaluation. The relative importance of each varies throughout the two-year course.

CONTENT - Students will study business in a variety of contexts (eg large/small, UK focused/global, service/manufacturing) and consider:

• the importance of the context of business in relation to decision making

• the interrelated nature of business activities and how they affect competitiveness

• the competitive environment and the markets in which businesses operate

• the influences on functional decisions and plans including ethical and environmental issues

• the factors that might determine whether a decision is successful eg the quality of data and the degree of
uncertainty

• how technology is changing the way decisions are made and how businesses operate and compete

• the impact on stakeholders of functional decisions and their response to such decisions

• use of non-quantitative and quantitative data in decision making (including the interpretation of index numbers and calculations such as ratios and percentages).

Students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions – all skills that are needed for further study and employment.

ASSESSMENT –

Paper 1: Business 1

• 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 worth 25 marks each.

Paper 2: Business 2

• 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: Business 3

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

Questions

One compulsory case study followed by approximately six questions.

ADMISSIONS - There is no prerequisite for admission onto the course other than gaining admission to the Sixth Form in general. However, students will preferably have gained grade 6 in English and Mathematics at GCSE.