Do A levels matter for jobs?

While A levels can still be part of the graduate job application process, their importance depends on the role you're applying for, the specific requirements of the employer, and the broader context of your application.

In this article, we explore the impact A levels have on graduate employment and what you can do if your results aren't particularly strong.

Can I get a graduate job if my A levels are…?

The short answer is yes—you can still get a graduate job even if your A-level grades aren't exceptional. However, how much they matter depends heavily on the industry you're targeting and the employer's recruitment criteria.

If your A levels are strong (A*-B)

If you achieved top A-level grades, it generally works in your favour. Many large firms—especially multinationals, investment banks, law firms, and management consultancies—use A-level grades as an initial screening tool. They often set minimum requirements such as AAB or ABB.

For instance, many investment banks still require 120–136 UCAS points (roughly equivalent to ABB or AAB) when shortlisting candidates.

In highly competitive fields like law, finance, and consulting, strong A levels are seen as evidence of academic ability and the capacity to perform under pressure. That said, good A levels alone aren't enough—you'll also need strong work experience, interview performance, and aptitude test results.

If your A levels are average (C–D)

For those with average A-level grades, your success depends more on the sector you enter. In industries like communications, marketing, logistics, retail management, and the public sector, A levels are secondary to your university degree and practical experience. Most graduate schemes in these areas will focus more on your degree classification, extracurriculars, and internships.

While some employers may still ask for A-level grades on application forms, they're often less important than your degree result and work history. Achieving a 2:1 or first-class degree will usually compensate for middling A-level performance.

If your a levels are low (E–U)

Lower A-level results may seem like a setback, especially if you're aiming for sectors with traditionally high entry requirements. However, even in fields like investment banking, alternative pathways are increasingly available—such as internships, apprenticeships, and school-leaver programmes—that don't rely heavily on A-level results.

Moreover, many graduate recruiters—particularly in start-ups, tech, creative industries, and SMEs—place little emphasis on A levels. In these sectors, your talent, portfolio, and passion will matter far more than your sixth-form exam results.

Fields where A levels still matter

While A levels may be less relevant for some roles, they remain important in fields where competition is intense or technical ability must be demonstrated early. Below are examples of such fields:

Investment banking and investment management

In these sectors, a university degree alone often isn't enough. Top firms like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and J.P. Morgan typically expect high A-level grades (e.g., AAB or higher). They use A-level results as part of the screening process due to the high volume of applicants.

Strong A-level results signal intellectual potential and resilience—key traits for high-pressure environments like banking.

Law

Prestigious law firms such as Linklaters, Clifford Chance, and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer also value high A-level grades. These grades, combined with a strong university performance, reflect the discipline and analytical ability needed in the legal profession, where handling large volumes of complex information is a daily requirement.

Consulting

Top-tier management consultancies—particularly the “MBB” firms (McKinsey, BCG, and Bain)—prioritize academic excellence. A-level grades are often a basic requirement, alongside a first-class degree and sometimes additional qualifications like an MBA.

That said, smaller or boutique consultancies may be more flexible if you can demonstrate practical problem-solving ability, strong internships, or excellent academic performance at university.

Engineering and medicine (graduate entry positions)

A-levels—especially in STEM subjects—are still considered for graduate-entry roles in engineering and medicine. Most employers in these fields expect strong grades in subjects like maths, physics, chemistry, or biology, even at the postgraduate level.

Employers such as Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and Arup typically look for candidates with A levels in science and maths, as these form the technical foundation for success in the industry. Similarly, graduate-entry medical fields often require prior achievement in science subjects to assess suitability for further study and research.

What to do if your A levels aren’t high enough

If you're concerned that your A-levels might not meet the expectations of your target industry, don't worry—there are many ways to strengthen your profile.

Focus on achieving a strong degree

Your university performance is usually a more recent and relevant measure of potential. A first-class or upper second-class (2:1) degree demonstrates maturity and academic capability, which can help offset weaker A-level results.

Gain relevant work experience

Work placements, internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer roles all contribute to a compelling CV. For example, a summer internship at an accountancy firm might outweigh the significance of your A levels when applying for an accountancy role.

Gain extra qualifications

Professional certifications can boost your application significantly. Examples include:

• Accounting: CFA Investment Foundations Certificate
• Marketing: Google Analytics or HubSpot certifications
• Tech: Python, AWS, or cybersecurity credentials

These demonstrate initiative, up-to-date skills, and commitment to your field.

Apply to organisations with flexible requirements

Some graduate employers use contextual recruitment, meaning they assess your academic background in the context of your life circumstances. Tools like Rare Recruitment help ensure that candidates aren't unfairly excluded based on raw grades alone.

Additionally, applying to smaller companies, start-ups, or regional businesses may give you access to the career path you want—without overly strict academic filters.

Build a strong personal brand

Networking, maintaining a professional LinkedIn profile, joining student societies, and attending industry events can help build your reputation. A good recommendation, an impressive project portfolio, or relevant work experience can often make up for low A-level results.

Do employers really care about A levels?

The importance of A-levels varies by employer and industry.

Sectors that still care

Top-tier firms in accountancy (especially the Big Four), law, and investment banking still tend to value A-level performance. These grades are viewed as a proxy for intelligence and discipline.

That said, even in these industries, there's a growing movement to evaluate candidates more holistically.

Sectors where A levels matter less

In industries like tech, media, education, hospitality, and the creative arts, practical skills and real-world experience are more important than academic results. Many start-ups, for instance, care more about what you can do—code, sell, design—than what you scored in school exams.

Fields that emphasize vocational training—such as logistics, tourism, teaching, and retail—also tend to prioritize university performance and on-the-job experience over A-level results.

The changing landscape

Some employers have even dropped academic requirements entirely. For instance, Deloitte UK eliminated A-level cut-offs in its recruitment process to reduce unconscious bias and widen access to diverse talent.

This shift reflects a broader understanding that qualities like leadership, adaptability, and real-world experience are just as valuable as academic results.

While A levels still matter in some career paths—especially competitive ones like banking, law, and consulting—they are far from the only factor that determines success.

Even if your A-level results aren't outstanding, you can enhance your profile through strong university performance, professional qualifications, relevant work experience, and a proactive personal brand.

Your career is a marathon, not a sprint—and A-levels are only one early checkpoint along the way.