Top 10 Easiest A-Level Subjects To Study In 2026

Top 10 Easiest A-Level Subjects – Ranked for 2026

Choosing A-Levels can be difficult. If you’re aiming for a subject with a lighter workload or looking to avoid unnecessary pressure, this guide highlights the options many students find more manageable.

While difficulty isn’t the only factor to think about, having a clear idea of what each subject involves can help you feel more prepared and make an informed decision.

What Are The Easiest A Levels?

We analysed Ofqual’s 2025 A Level results data to identify which A-Levels are more accessible in 2026.

There are a few ways to think about what makes an A-Level ‘easy’: is it the easiest to just achieve a bare pass (grade E), the easiest to do OK (grade C), or the easiest to do well (grade A or A*)?

The tables below show the top 10 subjects where the highest percentage of students reached each of those thresholds.

Easiest to Pass (Grade E)

This shows the subjects with the highest pass rates, based on the percentage of students who achieved a grade E or above. We’ve also included the average for all subjects for comparison.

The table below presents the findings, ranked by overall pass rate:

A-Level Subject	Pass rate (grade E and above) in 2025
Drama	99.50%
German	99.50%
Art and design subjects	99.40%
English language and literature	99.40%
English literature	99.30%
Media / Film / TV studies	99.30%
English language	99.20%
Performing / expressive arts	99.20%
Classical subjects	99.10%
History	99.10%
All subjects	97.4%

The top ten in this table are arts, humanities, and languages subjects, with drama in first place – a huge 99.5% of A-Level drama students passed in 2025. German, two English subjects, and Art and Design are the other subjects in the top five, all with pass rates above 99%.

However, this data is only of limited use in distinguishing between different A-Levels: the average for all subjects is 97.4%, and the subject in bottom place by this ranking, with the lowest percentage of passes, is Physics, where 95.4% of students got a grade E or above.

Easiest to Achieve a Grade C

This table shows the top ten easiest A-Level subjects to get a grade C in, in 2025. Once again, we’ve also included the average for all subjects for comparison.

A-Level Subject	Grade C and above rate in 2025
Other modern languages*	94.40%
Further mathematics	89.60%
Drama	89.10%
German	88.90%
Art and design subjects	88.60%
Classical subjects	86.10%
Spanish	86%
Performing / expressive arts	85.50%
French	84.70%
History	83.90%
All subjects	77.70%

*Excluding French, Spanish, and German

This data presents a slightly different picture. Although some subjects recur from the first table (e.g. Drama, German, Art and Design), there are some notable changes. In first place is ‘other modern languages’ (i.e., modern languages other than French, Spanish, and German), with 94.4% of students getting a C or above, far above the average for all subjects of 77.7%. These can be considered among the easiest A-Level subjects – although some students taking these more unusual languages may have prior fluency, which would affect the results. We see the same effect in our piece on the easiest GCSEs.

In second place is Further Maths. Does that make it one of the easiest A-Levels? Probably not. Further Maths is unusual in that it is a more advanced version of another A-Level (Maths), and as such is taken mostly by students who are already good at the subject. We would expect, therefore, that it would most students would do well enough to get a grade C. That doesn’t make it easy – it just means that most students taking it are good at Maths!

Easiest to Do Well (Grade A or A*)

This final table gives an indication of which A-Levels are easiest to do well in. It shows the top ten subjects where the highest percentage of students got an A or A* in 2025. Once again, we’ve also included the average for all subjects for comparison.

A-Level Subject	Grade A/A* rate in 2025
Other modern languages*	70.90%
Further mathematics	58%
German	47%
Mathematics	41.30%
French	38.80%
Spanish	35.80%
Art and design subjects	35.40%
Classical subjects	34.40%
Chemistry	32%
Physics	31.90%
All subjects	28.20%

*Excluding French, Spanish, and German

‘Other modern languages’ once again takes first place in this table, as the easiest A-Level to get an A or A* in, in 2025. 70.90% of students achieved this vs an average for all subjects of just 28.20%.

Further Maths is in second place again (though as noted above, this probably has more to do with the ability of students taking it than the accessibility of the course itself).

What’s notable in this table is the absence of many subjects that rank highly for most E grades and above – Drama, Performing Arts, and English are nowhere to be seen. (Drama has an A/A* rate of 22.90%, and English Language and English Language and Literature are bottom and third from bottom, with A/A* rates of less than 15%.)

In their place are more STEM subjects: Maths in fourth place, Chemistry in 9th and Physics in 10th. This may be a result of the fact that these subjects tend to have objective right/wrong answers, which can lead to a comparatively high number of students receiving high marks – a phenomenon we also looked at at undergraduate level in our guide to the hardest degrees in the UK.

The Top 10 Easiest A Level Subjects

While no A Level is truly “easy,” some subjects are generally seen as more straightforward due to their structure, content, and typical outcomes. If you’re looking for subjects that may offer a more manageable path, the list below is a good place to start.

1. Other Modern Languages

Pass rate: 99.1%

C or above rate: 94.4%

A or above rate: 70.9%

A Level courses in Other Modern Languages, which include languages such as Italian, Russian, Mandarin, and Urdu, have one of the strongest grade outcomes in 2025. An impressive 70.4% of students achieved a grade A or above, making it the subject group where most students get top grades.

To put this into perspective, the combined average of students achieving an A or higher across German, French, and Spanish was 40.5%. This highlights the particularly strong performance of students taking lesser-studied modern languages, where prior fluency or strong cultural connections may play a role in boosting results.

Despite these encouraging figures, A Levels in Other Modern Languages still require a high level of competence in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students must also demonstrate cultural understanding and analytical thinking throughout their assessments.

Studying a Modern Language at A Level may be a good choice for you if:

• You already have a solid grasp of the language and want to refine your fluency
• You’re interested in the culture, literature, and global relevance of the language
• You’re considering careers in translation, diplomacy, international relations, tourism, or global business

2. German

Pass rate: 99.5%

C or above rate: 88.9%

A or above rate: 47.0%

A Level German can feel more manageable for students who already have a strong foundation in the language, often built from achieving a grade 6 or above at GCSE.

In 2025, 47.0% of students achieved a grade A or higher in German, which was the highest percentage among the major modern languages. By comparison, 38.8% of French students and 35.8% of Spanish students reached the same grade level. This suggests that students with a good starting point in German may be well positioned to achieve strong results.

You might consider studying German at A Level if:

• You’re interested in continuing with one of the most widely spoken native languages in Europe
• The idea of living, working, or studying abroad appeals to you
• You enjoy learning languages and feel confident in oral assessments and conversation-based exams

3. Art and Design Subjects

Pass rate: 99.4%

C or above rate: 88.6%

A or above rate: 35.4%

A Level subjects such as Fine Art, Textiles, and Photography consistently achieve high pass rates, suggesting they can be more manageable for creatively inclined students. However, achieving top grades still requires strong technical skills, originality, and a well-developed portfolio.

In 2025, 35.4% of students studying Art and Design subjects achieved a grade A or above. This is noticeably higher than Design and Technology, where 19.2% of students reached the same benchmark. While both subjects involve practical work, the difference in grade outcomes suggests that Art and Design may offer a clearer route to higher grades for those with creative strengths.

Art and Design subjects are a strong choice at A Level if:

• You’re naturally creative and confident working with materials like paint, textiles, photography, sculpture, or mixed media
• You enjoy practical coursework and structured assignments more than written exams
• You work well independently and can manage long-term projects with minimal direction

4. Classical Subjects

Pass rate: 99.1%

C or above rate: 86.1%

A or above rate: 34.4%

Classical Subjects, which include Classical Civilisation, Latin, and Ancient Greek, are among the highest-performing A Levels in terms of outcomes. In 2025, 34.4% of students achieved a grade A or above, which is significantly higher than the 24.9% who did so in History. This suggests that students taking Classical Subjects may have a stronger chance of securing top grades, particularly if they have a passion for ancient history, literature, and culture.

Despite the strong grade profile, Classical Subjects are academically rigorous. They often involve detailed analysis of historical events, philosophical texts, and classical literature, along with an understanding of ancient languages in some cases. The subject encourages deep critical thinking and demands clear, structured written work.

A Level Classical Subjects might suit you if:

• You have an interest in ancient history, mythology, and classical literature
• You enjoy analytical writing and exploring philosophical or historical ideas in depth
• You’re considering careers in education, archaeology, law, history, or any field where strong research and interpretation skills are valued

5. Spanish

Pass rate: 98.9%

C or above rate: 86.0%

A or above rate: 35.8%

Spanish is now the most widely taken A-Level language in the UK, ahead of French. A slightly higher percentage of students achieve Es or above and Cs or above in Spanish than in French, meaning it takes fifth place on our list of easiest A Levels. More than a third of students who take Spanish achieve a grade A or A*, vs the 28.2% average for all subjects.

A Level Spanish might suit you if:

• You have an interest in Spanish-speaking cultures, societies, literature, and current affairs
• You enjoy learning languages, communicating with others, and analysing written and spoken texts
• You’re considering careers in translation, international business, education, tourism, diplomacy, or any field where strong communication and intercultural skills are valued

6. Drama

Pass rate: 99.5%

C or above rate: 89.1%

A or above rate: 22.9%

Drama had the highest pass rate in 2025, which suggests it may be one of the more accessible A Level subjects. That said, a high pass rate doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy to score top marks. In fact, only 22.9% of Drama students achieved a grade A or above in 2025. By comparison, 32.0% of Chemistry students reached the same benchmark, despite Chemistry being known as one of the more demanding A Levels.

Drama might be a good fit if you:

• Enjoy a mix of practical work and theory, such as performing and analysing plays
• Have a strong interest in acting, directing, or stage design
• Like working as part of a group and collaborating with others
• Are creative and confident expressing ideas in different ways

Interested in attending drama school? Read up on the best drama schools in the UK and explore our drama school application support.

7. French

Pass rate: 98.7%

C or above rate: 84.7%

A or above rate: 38.8%

The pass rate for A-Level French is slightly lower than for German or Spanish, at 98.7% in 2025. However, it has one of the highest rates of students achieving As or A*s – at nearly 2 in 5 students, it is the fifth highest and ten percentage points higher than the average for all subjects. French can therefore be considered a relatively easy A-Level subjects to do well in.

A Level French might be a good option for you if:

• You’re curious about French-speaking countries, their history, politics, media, and cultural traditions
• You enjoy learning languages, communicating with others, and analysing written and spoken texts
• You’re considering careers in journalism, international relations, government, business, education, or other fields where advanced language skills and cultural awareness are useful

8. Performing / Expressive Arts

Pass rate: 99.2%

C or above rate: 85.5%

A or above rate: 28.8%

Performing Arts is considered one of the more accessible A Level subjects, supported by a high pass rate and strong top-grade outcomes. In 2025, 28.8% of students achieved a grade A or above, which is noticeably higher than the 22.9% who reached the same grade in Drama. This suggests that students taking Performing Arts may have a greater chance of securing top marks, particularly if they thrive in creative and practical environments.

While the results are encouraging, Performing Arts still requires dedication and hard work. The course typically involves a mix of performance, group work, and reflective evaluations. It also demands strong time management, creativity, and the ability to take on feedback and apply it to practical tasks.

You may find Performing Arts rewarding at A Level if:

• You’re passionate about performance and enjoy expressing yourself through movement, acting, or music
• You like working closely with others in a practical, creative setting
• You’re considering careers in theatre, dance, teaching, entertainment, or creative industries where collaboration and communication are key

9. Media/Film/TV Studies

Pass rate: 99.3%

C or above rate: 82.3%

A or above rate: 14.7%

Media, Film, and TV Studies A Levels are well suited to students interested in careers like journalism, digital marketing, public relations, film production, or broadcasting.

These subjects typically have high pass rates, which can make them appear more accessible than traditional A Levels such as Maths or Physics. However, they still require strong analytical skills, creativity, and consistent effort to succeed.

In 2025, 14.7% of students achieved a grade A or above in these subjects. While this shows that top grades are certainly attainable, it’s noticeably lower than Performing and Expressive Arts, where 28.8% of students reached an A or higher. This suggests that while Media and Film Studies may be accessible in terms of passing, achieving the top grades can be more competitive.

You should consider studying Media, Film, or TV Studies at A Level if:

• You have an interest in analysing and exploring how media content like films, TV shows, and advertisements are created and understood
• You enjoy thinking critically about messages, meanings, and representation in media
• You want to build strong skills in writing, communication, and research that are valuable across many creative and academic fields

Discover how to find media work experience here or learn more about our film summer school.

10. English Literature

Pass rate: 99.3%

C or above rate: 81.7%

A or above rate: 24.6%

English Literature continues to be seen as one of the more accessible A Levels, supported by a strong pass rate and 24.6% of students achieving a grade A or above in 2025. This is almost double the proportion of students who achieved an A or higher in English Language, which stood at 12.8% – though still lower than the overall average for all subjects of 28.2%.

However, while the results suggest strong outcomes, English Literature is still a demanding subject. It involves studying a broad range of texts from different time periods and genres, including prose, poetry, and drama. The workload can be heavy, with a strong emphasis on essay writing, critical analysis, and independent reading.

You might enjoy studying English Literature at A Level if:

• You have a genuine interest in exploring a wide range of texts, from classic works like Shakespeare to modern authors such as Margaret Atwood
• You’re looking to strengthen valuable skills in analysis, critical thinking, and communication
• You’re considering future careers in areas such as journalism, publishing, teaching, public relations, communications, or copywriting

What Makes an A-Level “Easy”?

No A-Level is truly easy, but some subjects are often seen as more manageable based on a few key factors. Understanding what contributes to this perception can help students make informed choices that align with their strengths and learning style.

Personal Interests and Strengths

Your interests and strengths should play a key role in deciding which A Levels to take. Studying a subject you genuinely enjoy is often far easier and more rewarding than pushing yourself through something that doesn’t hold your attention.

It’s also important to think about your individual skill set. If you tend to do well in coursework-based subjects rather than those focused on final exams, it makes sense to look at options that offer more continuous assessment. Reflecting on how you learn and work best can help you choose subjects that match your abilities and boost your chances of success.

Learning Style

Understanding your learning style can make a big difference when choosing the right A Levels. Some students thrive with hands-on projects and continuous assessment, while others perform best in structured exam settings. Knowing how you learn and retain information can help you select subjects that feel more natural and less overwhelming.

For example, if you’re a visual or practical learner, you might enjoy subjects that include creative tasks, group work, or coursework components. On the other hand, if you prefer clear frameworks, structured revision, and written exams, subjects with more traditional academic formats could suit you better.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so think about the environments and tasks where you’ve previously succeeded. Aligning your A Level choices with your learning preferences can lead to a more enjoyable and effective study experience.

Exam Format

The structure of assessment can have a big impact on how you experience a subject at A Level. Some subjects rely heavily on final exams, while others include coursework, practical work, or a combination of different assessment types.

If you tend to perform well under timed conditions and enjoy working through structured revision, you might feel more confident in subjects with a traditional exam-based format. On the other hand, if you prefer steady, ongoing assessment and find exams stressful, you may want to explore subjects that include a higher proportion of coursework or practical components.

Understanding how each subject is assessed can help you choose options that suit your strengths and reduce unnecessary pressure during your studies.

Workload

The amount of work required for each A Level can vary significantly, and this often influences how “easy” or “difficult” a subject feels. Some subjects demand large volumes of reading, frequent essays, or detailed revision, while others rely more on practical tasks, shorter assignments, or creative projects.

Subjects like History, English Literature, and Biology are often considered content-heavy, requiring consistent study habits and strong organisation to keep up with the material. Others, such as Art and Design, may not have as much reading but involve time-intensive coursework and portfolio development outside of lessons.

When choosing your A Levels, it’s worth thinking about how much time you’re realistically able to commit to each subject. Managing a balanced workload that suits your strengths and schedule can help reduce stress and improve your overall performance.

 

Choose Your A Levels With Confidence

There’s no such thing as a truly easy A Level. Every subject comes with its own set of challenges, but by understanding your learning style, interests, and academic strengths, you can make informed choices that suit you best.

Before making your final decision, think carefully about how you study, how much workload you can realistically handle, and where each subject could take you in the future. With the right subject choices, you’ll be in a strong position to achieve your goals and enjoy a more rewarding sixth form experience.

Improve Your Grades With Dukes Plus

No matter which A Levels you choose, the right support can make all the difference. At Dukes Plus, we offer expert one-to-one tutoring tailored to your individual learning style, subject needs, and academic goals. Whether you’re aiming to boost your grades, build exam confidence, or get back on track with coursework, our tutors are here to help.

Our team includes subject specialists with a deep understanding of A Level requirements across a wide range of subjects. From essay-based subjects like English and History to STEM-focused areas such as Maths and Chemistry, we match A Level students with experienced tutors who know how to unlock potential.

With personalised lesson plans, structured feedback, and flexible scheduling, Dukes Plus gives you the tools to stay motivated, improve your results, and succeed on your own terms.

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