On this page2 sections
What A-Levels are Required to Become a Pilot? Core Subjects
Option forms at school can feel like a trap. Parents and Year 11 students stare at a subject grid, convinced there is a secret "pilot pathway" hiding somewhere in the list. There isn't one, and that catches a lot of families off guard.
The good news is that airlines care far more about grades, aptitude, and attitude than about a specific combination of three subjects. This guide breaks down exactly what UK cadet schemes and flight training routes actually check, using current entry criteria from British Airways, easyJet, and the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Do You Need Specific A-Levels to Become a Pilot?
No. Unlike medicine or law, there is no legally mandated A-Level list for pilot training. UK CAA licensing and airline cadet schemes work off minimum grade or UCAS point thresholds, plus GCSE requirements, rather than named subjects.
Age, hours, and medical fitness matter more to your licence than which subjects sit on your certificate.
- CAA and EASA licensing rules are age and hour based, not subject based
- Cadet schemes like British Airways and easyJet set grade thresholds, not named A-Levels
- University aviation degrees sometimes add their own subject prerequisites
- GCSE Maths, English, and Science at grade 4 or above is usually the firmer requirement
For a full breakdown of subject options at this stage, see our A-Level subjects guide.
Which A-Levels Do Airlines Prefer?
Maths and Physics are the most consistently preferred subjects among UK cadet schemes. They build the numerical, spatial, and analytical skills tested during cadet aptitude assessments and later needed for ATPL groundschool.
Beyond the numerate core, a few other subjects also carry real weight with recruiters.
- Maths sharpens mental arithmetic tested in cadet aptitude exams
- Physics covers mechanics and weather systems relevant to flight theory
- Geography, a modern language, or Computer Science also strengthen an application
- Avoid combinations with no numerate subject at all
Tuition for these subjects is available through our A-Level Maths tutors and A-Level Physics tutors.
Do Pilots Need Maths and Physics A-Levels?
Not legally, but they help enormously. Most flight schools and cadet programmes describe Maths and Physics as preferred rather than required, since the content overlaps directly with ATPL exams like Meteorology and Principles of Flight.
Some cadets join without either subject. The CAE Generation easyJet programme, for instance, asks only for strong high school Maths, Science, and English, not named A-Levels. According to easyJet's own careers page, applicants need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths, Science, and English, alongside a UK or EASA Class 1 medical.
Students without Physics can still catch up through bridging content or foundation modules offered by many flight schools before ground school begins.
What Grades Do You Need for Pilot Training?
Grade thresholds vary by scheme and by year, so always check the latest published criteria. The table below compares typical GCSE and A-Level or UCAS requirements across well known UK routes.
| Scheme | GCSE Requirement | A-Level / UCAS Guide |
|---|---|---|
| British Airways Speedbird | 6 GCSEs grade 4 to 9, incl. Maths, English, Science | Historically around 112 UCAS points, roughly BBC |
| easyJet Generation MPL | 5 GCSEs grade 4 to 9, incl. Maths, Science, English | No fixed A-Level list, strong grades preferred |
| Wizz Air Cadet | GCSE Maths, English, and Science required | Self funded upfront fee, repaid via bonding agreement |
| University aviation degree | GCSEs plus a science background | Typically BBC to ABB, Maths or Physics often required |
| BTEC or vocational route | Relevant Level 3 vocational qualification | Accepted by many flight schools as equivalent |
These figures shift as intakes open and close, so treat them as a planning guide rather than a guarantee. Always confirm details on the airline's own careers page before applying.
Best A-Level Combinations for Aviation Training
Three combinations come up again and again among successful cadet applicants. Each balances numerate strength with a second skill that helps in interviews and international operations.
- Maths, Physics, Geography, a strong all rounder combination
- Maths, Physics, a modern language, useful for international airlines
- Maths, Computer Science, Physics, suited to tech leaning cadets
Keeping one flexible subject also protects students who later switch from aviation to another STEM career. Explore language options through our A-Level French tutors or the A-Level Computer Science tutors.
What If Your A-Levels Are Not Right?
A non-ideal subject choice is not disqualifying. Resits, Access to HE diplomas, integrated cadet schemes with built in foundation modules, and military entry routes all offer alternative ways into the cockpit.
Career changers in particular benefit from mature entry schemes, which often weigh work experience and aptitude test performance more heavily than original A-Level grades.
- Foundation and bridging modules run by several flight schools
- Mature entry and career changer pathways with flexible criteria
- Military pilot routes using separate academic entry standards
Ready to Plan Your Pilot Pathway?
There is real flexibility here. Strong grades in Maths and Physics adjacent subjects open the most doors, but no single "correct" A-Level combination exists for every cadet scheme.
Speak with one of our tutors to build a subject plan around your target airline or flight school. Visit our A-Level tuition page or get in touch to start.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible. Cadet schemes rarely name required A-Levels, though a lack of Maths or Physics may mean extra revision before aptitude testing and ATPL groundschool begin.
No. Most airline cadet schemes accept school leavers directly from A-Levels. A degree can help with Direct Entry roles later, but it is not a requirement for ab-initio training.
Strong mental arithmetic helps throughout training and daily flying, from fuel calculations to navigation. You do not need top grades, but comfort with numbers under pressure matters a great deal.
Neither scheme currently names specific A-Level subjects. British Airways has historically referenced around 112 UCAS points, while easyJet focuses on GCSE grades in Maths, Science, and English.
Often yes. Most cadet schemes accept equivalent international qualifications, assessed through recognised comparison services, alongside the right to live and work in the relevant country.
About the author
Share