Cambridge Advanced Nationals, our new Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs), are designed for students aged 16-19 years and complement existing A Level and post-16 study programmes.

Designed to better prepare students for entry into higher education. or employment, they encourage students to:

• Develop subject specific key knowledge, understanding, and skills
• Think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically, and critically
• Develop valuable communication skills that are important in all aspects of further study and life
• Develop transferable skills, such as evaluation, planning, presentation, and research skills
• Develop independence and confidence in applying their knowledge and skills

Cambridge Advanced Nationals are currently available as:

• 150/180 GLH Certificates (AS Level size)
• 360 GLH Extended Certificates (A Level size).

They can be combined in any way with A Levels, Cambridge Technicals, other Level 3 qualification or each other as a part of a post-16 mixed study programme. 

Cambridge Advanced Nationals are worth UCAS Tariff points and our qualifications (first teach September 2025) are on the UCAS Tariff points calculator. Calculate your UCAS Tariff points here

Our handy table shows the UCAS tariff points awarded for Cambridge Advanced Nationals, AS Levels, and A Levels for easy comparison  

We have letters of support from a wide range of universities, including Russell Group universities. You can find these on the individual qualification pages.

• Full compensation grading: Students are always rewarded for their demonstrated abilities - every single mark your students earn will directly contribute to their final grade. No mark will go to waste.
• Every mark matters: Gone are the days of hurdle elements in units. If a student meets all but one Pass criterion and some Merit criteria, they won't face failure. Our approach compensates for performance at both the unit and qualification levels, ensuring fairness and encouragement for every student.
• Features teachers love and more: Cambridge Advanced Nationals incorporate the popular features from our Cambridge Technicals, including visiting moderation, a blend of examination and coursework units, and we're keeping the well-recognised Pass, Merit, Distinction grade scale. Plus, you'll continue to benefit from our range of comprehensive support and resources.
• Pathways to university: Designed in collaboration with teachers and universities, Cambridge Advanced Nationals equip students with a well-rounded skill set for today's undergraduate studies as part of a Level 3 programme of study.
• Complementary practical application: Designed to be taken alongside A Levels, Cambridge Advanced Nationals seamlessly complement a mixed study programme while maintaining a strong focus on the practical application of skills and knowledge - a valuable supplement to A Levels, enabling clear progression to university.