Last updated: 16 Jan 2009

The advanced extension award (AEA) is being withdrawn after the June 2009 examination series, except in mathematics where the qualification will continue until at least June 2013.

First examined in June 2002, the AEA was introduced to challenge the top 10 per cent of students nationally and help differentiate the most able candidates. The AEAs were available in 19 subjects. Changes to the A level specifications from 2008 to introduce ‘stretch and challenge’ and an A* grade overlap with the original purpose of AEAs. Consequently, the AEA is being withdrawn.

The test specifications for the AEAs are available from this page.