Overview
This article explains what the Best 3 A Levels measure is, and those pupils and subjects included in the measure.
Best 3 A Levels measure definition
The Best 3 A Levels measure is the total number of points achieved by all eligible pupils divided by the number of entries, giving a points score per entry. This point score can be expressed as a numeric value or a grade.
Student and qualification inclusion
The Best 3 A Levels measure:
- Applies to a subset of the A Level pupils, who are entered for at least one full-sized A Level, excluding Applied A Levels.
- Includes Double Award A Levels and Applied A Levels.
- Does not include AS Levels, General Studies, or Critical Thinking.
When a student is entered for fewer than 3 A Levels, they are excluded if they take any additional Academic, Applied General, or Tech Level qualifications greater than or equal to the size of an A level.
Students who have only been in their school for a year must have been entered in three A Levels to be included.
The following table summarises those qualification types included in the Best 3 A Level measure:
| Qualification | Included in the Best 3 A Levels measure |
| GCE A Level | Yes |
| GCE AS Level | No |
| Applied GCE AS Level Double Award | No |
| Applied GCE Single Award | Yes |
| Applied GCE AS Level | No |
| Applied GCE Double Award | Yes |
Related information
- For further information about the Best 3 A Levels Measure, see page 50 onwards of the DfE's 16 to 18 accountability measures: technical guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-accountability-headline-measures-technical-guide)
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