Cambridge A Level —
the route to a Full Exemption.
Cambridge A Level tutoring from specialist tutors who understand the curriculum, the 55-subject range, and the USAf Paragraph 15 Full Exemption pathway. Because every learner is different, sessions run one-to-one — online or in person across all nine SA provinces.
Three steps to your child's
Cambridge A Level tutor.
More than 10,000 professional, experienced and verified tutors on the MyAPEX app. As a result, getting started with Cambridge A Level tutoring takes just minutes — book, talk, and start learning.
1. Book a tutor
Tell us your child's grade, subjects and goals on the MyAPEX app. We match a verified Cambridge A Level tutor in minutes.
2. Talk to us
Confirm your match and book securely in the app. Our team checks everything and reaches you on WhatsApp, SMS or email.
3. Start learning
Lessons begin — online via the MyAPEX app or in person. Track every session and your child's progress from your phone.
"Cambridge International A Levels are the 'gold standard' qualification."Attributed: Mark Vella, Auckland Grammar School. Published on cambridgeinternational.org
Cambridge A Level is the advanced two-year stage of Cambridge's Advanced Levels.
Cambridge International A Level is the full Advanced Level qualification, taken across two years. In fact, Cambridge describes the qualification family: "The syllabuses develop a deep understanding of subjects and independent thinking skills."
For South African families, therefore, Cambridge A Level is the primary route to a USAf Full Exemption — the matric exemption that unlocks bachelor's degree entry at SA public universities. In practice, this is exactly where focused Cambridge A Level tutoring makes the biggest difference. Apex tutors map each family's IGCSE / O Level subject combination + Cambridge A Level subject selection against USAf Paragraph 15 from the start.
Source: Cambridge International — AS & A Levels overviewThe valid Cambridge subject combination for SA university entry.
USAf Paragraph 15 sets out the Cambridge-specific Full Exemption rule. Under it, Cambridge A Level subjects are the "Higher" subjects; Cambridge IGCSE / O Level subjects are the "Ordinary" subjects.
Cambridge Paragraph 15 — two valid subject combinations
Both routes give the required five subjects across Groups I-V. The Two-Sitting Rule applies. Apex maps the right combination per family.
Route A — 2 A Levels + 3 Ordinary
Route B — 3 A Levels + 1 Ordinary
The fine print of USAf Paragraph 15.
For the Ordinary Level half of the pathway, IGCSE / O Level subjects need minimum grade C. For the A Level subjects, however, Annexure I rules apply. In addition, the Two-Sitting Rule limits the exemption window.
What grade counts as an "Ordinary Level subject"?
"any subject offered for and passed with a symbol of A, B or C at the Ordinary Level, the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) level or the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) level"
So for the Ordinary half of the Paragraph 15 Cambridge pathway, IGCSE / O Level subjects need a minimum of grade C.
Source: USAf DefinitionsThe Two-Sitting Rule (Paragraph 15)
"A candidate shall satisfy all the requirements of subparagraphs 1.a and b at not more than two examination sittings."
Cambridge offers two exam series a year (June + November). USAf-qualifying subjects must be completed across no more than two sittings combined. Apex plans the exam-sitting calendar with families from day one.
Source: USAf Paragraph 15Online via the MyApex App.
Or in person, in your home.
Cambridge A Level is the highest-stakes stage of your child's Cambridge journey — university applications depend on these results. Apex A Level tutors are matched per subject and per learner, with deep specialist knowledge in their chosen subjects.
Online sessions delivered via the MyApex App with session recording so your child can rewatch any lesson. In-person sessions available across all nine SA provinces.
The questions Cambridge A Level parents ask most.
What is Cambridge International A Level?
Cambridge International A Level is the advanced two-year stage of Cambridge's Advanced Levels. Cambridge International states schools have "a choice of 55 subjects" and that "thousands of learners worldwide gain places at leading universities every year with Cambridge International AS & A Levels." Indeed, Cambridge has marketed Cambridge A Levels as the "gold standard" qualification (attributed to Mark Vella, Auckland Grammar School).
How many subjects does my child need at Cambridge A Level for a USAf Full Exemption?
USAf Paragraph 15 requires at least five different subjects across Higher/HIGCSE and Ordinary/IGCSE levels, with the required Group I–V coverage. In practical terms, Cambridge A Level learners typically present 2-3 A Level subjects + 3-4 Cambridge IGCSE or O Level subjects. The Two-Sitting Rule applies. (Source: USAf Paragraph 15.)
What is the difference between Cambridge AS Level and Cambridge A Level?
Cambridge International A Level is the full Advanced Level qualification, taken across two years. By contrast, Cambridge AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary) can be a standalone qualification or the first half of a full A Level. Notably, Cambridge states "some subjects can be started as a Cambridge International AS Level and extended to a Cambridge International A Level." For a USAf Full Exemption (rather than Conditional), the standard route is full Cambridge A Level. (See our Cambridge AS Level page.)
Does Apex tutor all Cambridge A Level subjects?
Yes. Apex tutors all Cambridge International A Level subjects offered by Cambridge International — across Sciences, Mathematics, Humanities, Languages, Business, Computing, and Art. Tutors are matched per subject and per learner. Sessions online via the MyApex App or in person across all nine SA provinces.
Why are Cambridge A Levels called the "gold standard" qualification?
Cambridge International quotes Mark Vella of Auckland Grammar School describing Cambridge A Levels as the "gold standard" qualification. As a result, the qualification is recognised globally by leading universities — Cambridge International states "thousands of learners gain places at leading universities around the world." For South African families, Cambridge A Level is the standard route to a USAf Full Exemption (Paragraph 15).
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