Is chemistry a level the hardest?

A-Level Chemistry is widely considered one of the hardest A-Levels due to its significant jump in complexity from GCSE, requiring deep understanding, strong maths skills, lots of memorisation (equations, structures, facts like colour changes), and demanding practical application, but its difficulty depends on the student, with some finding subjects like Further Maths or Physics even tougher.

Is chemistry a level really hard?

Chemistry a-level is extremely hard compared to other subjects, with only 13.6% achieving an A* in 2022 and 24.4% getting an A. Many students struggle with chemistry in school and wonder if they have what it takes to handle the rigours of an A-Level chemistry course.

Which is the hardest A-level subject?

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1. Physics. Physics is statistically the hardest A-Level compared to other subjects. ...
2. Chemistry. 63,538 students took Chemistry in 2025, with a 4.28% fail rate. ...
3. Computing. 4.27% of students failed Computing. ...
4. Biology. ...
5. Law. ...
6. Maths. ...
7. Physical Education.

What grade is 70 percent in a level in chemistry?

Each exam board will have it's own system for calculating grades, but generally, grades are determined by assigning a certain percentage of marks to each grade. For example, a student who scores 90% or higher may receive an A*, while a student who scores between 70% and 79% may receive a B grade.

Which is harder, biology or chemistry a level?

Biology is one of the most challenging A Levels. Compared to Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, it has the lowest percentage of students receiving A or A* grades (in Biology, the figure was 26% in 2023, compared to 31% in Chemistry and Physics, and 41% in Maths).

A Level Chemistry is EFFORTLESS Once You Learn This

What is the easiest subject in A-levels?

Top 15 Easiest A Level Subjects

• Film Studies. ...
• Drama and Theatre Studies. ...
• Religious Studies. ...
• Photography. ...
• Environmental Science. ...
• Design and Technology. ...
• Music Technology. ...
• Conclusion.

What grade is 67% in a level maths?

For example, here are the minimum marks needed to achieve a grade A in AQA A-level maths papers from the past three years: 2022: 171 out of 300 (57%) 2023: 201 out of 300 (67%)

What is the fail rate for chemistry?

On average about 25% fail general chemistry according to Cooper and Peterson (2012). Others have found rates from 40-60%. That's a lot of students and you don't want to be one of them.

Is a 9 top 5%?

Students who perform exceptionally well receive a 9, usually the top 5% of the cohort.

Is 75% an A in A level?

Understanding Grade Boundaries for Popular A Level Subjects

For example, maths grade boundaries usually place an A grade around 70–75% of the total marks, with an A* closer to 85–90%.

Which A level has the lowest pass rate?

What subject has the lowest pass rate? Computing is the A Level subject with the lowest pass rate. Only 95.1% of students got a grade E or above in this subject in 2024.

Which is the no. 1 hard subject?

Some of the toughest courses in the world include Medicine (MBBS/MD), Engineering, Neuroscience, CA, Quantum Physics and Mathematics. The toughest courses in India include MBBS, IIT Engineering, CA, and Architecture (B. Arch).

Is a level chemistry respected?

A-Level Chemistry is highly respected by UK universities, particularly in medicine and pure science degrees. It guarantees mastery of the key principles and mathematical underpinnings needed for advanced study.

Is chemistry the hardest subject in the world?

Chemistry is widely considered one of the hardest subjects because it blends significant memorization with complex math and abstract concepts, demanding a unique skillset often overwhelming for students, especially in challenging courses like organic chemistry, but its difficulty is subjective and depends on individual strengths in logic vs. rote learning. While many students struggle with its vast scope and time commitment, others find it manageable or even enjoyable with the right approach, notes Tutorition and Research.com. 

What is the hardest part of chemistry A-Level?

What are the hardest topics in A Level Chemistry?

• Organic chemistry.
• Equilibrium.
• Electrochemistry and redox.
• NMR spectroscopy.
• Hess cycles.

Is 70% an A in the UK?

UK degree classifications are as follows: First-Class Honours (First or 1st) (70% and above) Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1, 2. i) (60-70%)

What are the 5 hardest GCSEs?

• GCSE exam statistics (2025) - Hardest GCSEs.
• Explaining our Top 10 Hardest GCSEs list.
• 1) Combined Science (Double Award)
• 2) Maths.
• 3) English Language.
• 4) History.
• 5) Geography.
• 7) Computer Science.

Is a 60% an F or D?

A 60% is usually a D, which is a passing grade in many US systems, but it's the minimum passing mark and sits just above an F (failure, typically below 60%). However, grading scales vary by school, so some might consider a 60% a failing grade (F), while others might have a different cutoff, especially in high school or for specific courses. 

What subject has the highest dropout rate?

According to HESA, the subjects with the highest drop-out rates for the 2019/20 entry, are:

• Business and management (6.6%)
• Biological and sport sciences (6.6%)
• Architecture Building and planning (5.7%)
• Engineering and Technology (5.3%)
• Agriculture (5.1%)
• Psychology (4.8%)
• Subjects allied to medicine ( 4.7%)

What is the most commonly failed class in college?

The most commonly failed college classes are often foundational STEM courses, especially Algebra (like Algebra I or College Algebra) and Calculus (especially Calc II), along with Organic Chemistry, due to their demanding concepts, heavy memorization, and role as "gatekeeper" courses for many majors. Other frequent high-failure classes include introductory Computer Science, Engineering subjects like Statics, and sometimes even dense, lecture-heavy general education courses.
 

How many people get an A* in chemistry A level?

A total of 32.6% of pupils achieved A*-A grades in chemistry compared to 28.3% for all subjects. Grades were awarded following different processes in 2020 and 2021 after public exams were cancelled in all constituent countries of the UK. This led to a large increase in the share of top grades awarded.

Is a 90% an A or B+?

A 90 is usually an A- (A minus), but it can sometimes be a low A, depending on the school or instructor's grading scale; it's almost never a B+, which typically starts at 87% or 88%. Many scales place 90-92% or 90-93% as an A-, with A- being the lowest "A" range. 

Are 2025 A level grade boundaries out?

In 2025, A Level Results Day falls on Thursday 14th August. The grade boundaries are published for each subject, giving students, schools, and parents clear information about the number of marks needed for each grade.