How to Get an A* at A-Level: A Practical Study Plan
By the Bright Sprouts Academy teaching team · Updated October 2026
Quick answer
Getting an A* at A-Level depends on three things: full coverage of your exam board's specification, regular timed practice on past papers from that board, and close study of the mark schemes and examiner reports. Students who reach A* usually keep a log of every mistake, use retrieval practice instead of re-reading, and start timed papers months before the exams instead of weeks.
1. Work from the specification, not the textbook
Your exam board's specification lists everything you can be examined on. Turn it into a checklist and rate your confidence on each point (red, amber or green). This shows exactly where your revision time should go.
2. Use past papers from your own board, and mark them properly
Past papers show you how topics are actually examined. Mark every paper strictly with the official mark scheme, and read the examiner reports, which explain where most students lose marks.
3. Keep an error log
Write down every mark you lose, why you lost it (knowledge, method, misreading or time) and the correct approach. Review the log every week. This is often the quickest way to raise a grade at the top end.
4. Use retrieval practice instead of re-reading
- Test yourself from memory with flashcards, blank-page summaries and practice questions.
- Spread out your revision of each topic over weeks rather than cramming.
- Mix topics in a session, because the exams mix them too.
5. Practise under exam conditions
From spring of Year 13 at the latest, sit full papers under timed conditions. A* grade boundaries are high, so accuracy under time pressure matters as much as knowledge.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What percentage do you need for an A* at A-Level?
Grade boundaries are set each year and differ by board and subject, so there is no fixed percentage. Students usually need a high proportion of the total marks. Check your board's published boundaries from recent years.
When should I start revising for A-Levels?
Revise continuously from Year 12, consolidating each topic soon after you learn it. Intensive past-paper practice should start by early spring of Year 13.
Does tuition help with getting an A*?
Good tuition speeds up the process: finding gaps quickly, giving expert feedback on exam answers and keeping preparation on track. The student still has to put in regular, deliberate practice.
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Last reviewed by the Bright Sprouts Academy teaching team. Exam board and university requirements change, so always check the official specification and admissions pages.