Hardest A-levels Ranked: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teen Choose Wisely

Published 11th August 2025

Introduction

The new school year is just around the corner, and your teen is staring at a list of possible A-level subjects. They (and likely you, too) can’t help but feel pressured to make the ‘right’ decision. The subjects chosen will undoubtedly impact their university options and could even decide their career path as a new graduate in a few years.

You've probably heard debates over which subjects are the most challenging. Some insist that maths is one of the hardest A-levels, while others argue that physics or further maths rank among the hardest A-levels too.

Choosing the right A-levels isn’t just about what your teen finds interesting — though that certainly helps. You also need to think about workload, difficulty, and long-term goals. There’s a lot at stake: the wrong choice now could mean months of stress or missed opportunities when university applications come around.

Seeing your teen’s indecision may feel like a blast from the past — and that’s because it is. Generation after generation has faced the same pressure to “choose right” and felt that gut-wrenching mix of apprehension about what comes next and excitement for the future.

Let's find out which are considered the hardest A-levels and what makes them so demanding. We'll also explore how you can best support your teen in — you guessed it — making the right choice.

Why Some A-Levels Are Harder Than Others

There is no such thing as a truly easy A-level. However, not all A-levels are created equal and some are widely regarded as the hardest A-levels. Some demand long hours of practice, while others require advanced analytical skills or the ability to memorise vast amounts of information.

For many students, the perceived difficulty comes from several factors. These include the sheer volume of content, the complexity of ideas, the style of assessment, and whether coursework is involved. A subject heavy on abstract thinking can be just as tough as one that involves endless factual recall.

The Hardest A-Levels Ranked

While difficulty is subjective, certain subjects appear time and again on the most challenging lists compiled by students, teachers, and education experts. These include:

1. Mathematics

Maths demands much more than knowing the right formulas: knowing when to apply them, and to do so accurately, is just as important. Maths is also particularly unforgiving: as topics build on each other, any gaps in understanding can snowball into bigger problems later.

As a result, many who start confidently at GCSE level find the jump to A-level unexpectedly steep. It's no surprise that for many, maths is considered the hardest A-level.

2. Further Mathematics

Further maths is even more demanding than standard maths. Typically studied alongside it, the course explores advanced topics such as complex numbers, matrices, and differential equations. The pace is fast, the content is deep, and success requires both skill and commitment.

However, most students who take further maths already have a strong passion for the subject, which makes the challenge feel less daunting. For those who enjoy problem-solving and abstract thinking, the difficulty becomes part of the appeal, and mastering such advanced material can be especially rewarding.

3. Chemistry

Ernest Rutherford supposedly said, “All science is either physics or stamp collecting”. Ironically, he won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908. The subject itself blends the mathematical precision of physics with the memorisation demands of biology, making it a unique bridge between the sciences.

Students must not only grasp how chemical reactions work but also interpret data, balance equations, and apply theory to unfamiliar problems. The transition from GCSE to A level can feel less like a steady climb and more like a leap, demanding both analytical skill and resilience.

4. Physics

Physics challenges students to think abstractly about the natural world, often requiring them to apply mathematical principles in entirely new contexts. Concepts like quantum mechanics or relativity can be counter-intuitive, and success depends on both problem-solving skills and the ability to explain reasoning clearly.

5. Biology

Biology’s difficulty comes not from complicated maths but from the sheer breadth of its syllabus. Students must recall vast amounts of detail, from cell structures to ecological systems, and then apply this knowledge in essay-style answers. For many, keeping the terminology precise and accurate is a challenge in itself - particularly if they are not well-versed in Latin beforehand!

6. Other A-levels

Other demanding subjects, such as English literature, history, and modern foreign languages, each bring their own unique pressures. These often involve extensive reading, essay writing, and fluency in a second language.

Why Maths is Considered the Hardest A-level

Even compared with other sciences or essay-based subjects, many people believe maths is the hardest A-level. One reason is that it leaves little room for vague answers: it’s either right or wrong.

Another is the pace at which new topics are introduced, meaning students can’t afford to fall behind. You might still understand modern history even if you missed some key events of the Norman Conquest. In maths, however, missing a single rule can quickly make it impossible to keep up.

Finally, unlike more fact-based subjects, maths requires regular, consistent practice; last-minute revision is rarely enough to secure top grades.

Helping Your Teen Make The Right Choice

When supporting your teen with A-level decisions, it helps to look beyond which subjects are considered “hard”. Instead, think about how well each option aligns with their strengths and future ambitions. Choosing subjects that play to natural abilities can make the workload feel more manageable and the experience more rewarding.

For example, a student who enjoys problem-solving may find physics more approachable than history, even though both are demanding. Likewise, someone with a strong memory might feel more at home with biology than with further maths. Matching subjects to individual strengths can make all the difference in both performance and confidence.

Even the most enthusiastic students can struggle once the demands of A-levels begin to build. Warning signs include slipping grades despite continued effort, avoiding homework, or showing visible frustration when tackling the subject. At this stage, getting the right support can make a real difference.

Our Find a Tutor page connects families with experienced tutors who offer targeted guidance. They help students rebuild confidence, strengthen understanding, and close knowledge gaps before they grow wider.

Reliable Resources For Parents And Students

The UCAS Subject Guides are an excellent starting point for checking university requirements. If you want to find out more about what A-levels are in general, we have a whole blog post dedicated to it.

Conclusion

Choosing A-levels is one of the first significant academic decisions your teen will face. While some may insist that maths is among the hardest A-levels, the reality is more nuanced. The “hardest” subject is often the one that doesn’t match a student’s strengths, learning style, or interests.

Your role as a parent is to help your teen weigh up the demands of each subject alongside their ambitions for the future. With the proper preparation, a realistic understanding of the workload, and timely support when challenges arise, even the hardest A-levels can be conquered!