Accounting

Why study A Level Accounting?

The A Level Accounting course introduces students to the basic accounting concepts and principles which will prepare them for a career in accounting and finance. The Accounting A Level provides an excellent foundation for the further study of accountancy at degree level or at entry level for the profession on an apprenticeship programme. Whilst for those students looking for a future career in business, but not wishing to specialise in accounts, the course provides an excellent introduction to the basic level of accounting knowledge required of all non-financial business managers.

How will I be assessed?

This course is examined through two exam papers each three hours long. Both papers have three sections which consist of:

• Section A:  Multiple choice and short response questions
• Section B:  Structured calculations
• Section C:  Extended written questions

All exams are sat at the end of Year 13.

Entry requirements

Accounting – it’s all about numbers!

Students must enjoy numbers and be comfortable using them. Even though the Accounting A Level does not require students to be the greatest mathematicians, it is fundamental that students are confident in manipulating percentages and ratios. In addition, the abstract nature of accounting requires the ability to rote learn rules and remember complex presentational layouts.

Given the demands of the course, in addition to the entry requirements to attend KES Sixth Form, a minimum of a Grade 5 in Mathematics at GCSE is required. Students will also need a Grade 4 in English.

What skills will I gain from studying Accounting?

The A Level Accounting course teaches students the fundamental building blocks of accounts that are used in all businesses. From understanding basic double entry and the preparation of cashbooks, students will move on to preparing accounts from a trial balance for small business and, at the end of the course, will be completing accounts for limited companies and learning to analyse both financial accounts as well as the management accounts used by businesses in their day-to-day running.

Where can Accounting lead?

A Level Accounting can lead directly to studying an accounting degree at university, whilst it also supports students wishing to follow degree courses in Business, Finance and Management. Currently over 80% of students that study Business, Economics or Accounting at King Edward VI School, Lichfield go on to follow a business related course at university.

However, given the direct application of accounting to the business world, the Accounting A Level also gives students the skills and understanding required for direct entry into the financial departments of businesses and leads naturally to the AAT professional accounting qualification and subsequently on to ACA, CIMA or ACCA.

Curriculum Intent 

At King Edward VI School in Lichfield, the intent of our A Level Accounting curriculum is to develop students into confident, technically skilled and analytically minded individuals who understand how accounting underpins business decision-making and financial management. By following the AQA A Level Accounting specification, students gain a rigorous understanding of both financial accounting and management accounting, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed academically and to apply accounting principles in real-world contexts. 

The curriculum is structured to ensure students first build a solid foundation in financial reporting and bookkeeping in Year 12 before progressing to more advanced accounting techniques and strategic financial decision-making in Year 13. Simultaneously, students develop their understanding of management accounting, enabling them to evaluate business performance, plan and control resources, and support decision-making. The division of teaching across two specialist teachers ensures depth of expertise and continuity within each accounting strand. 

A central aim of the course is to develop students’ ability to interpret financial information, analyse data, identify errors and evaluate business performance. Students learn to construct well-reasoned arguments, apply quantitative skills accurately, and make evidence-based judgements. These skills support not only success in the AQA examinations but also foster broader analytical, problem-solving, and professional competencies that are transferable beyond the classroom. 

Beyond academic study, A Level Accounting provides students with a practical understanding of financial management, governance, ethics and decision-making, preparing them to manage personal finances and engage effectively with the financial aspects of business and society. Students develop an appreciation of the ethical responsibilities of accountants and the impact of financial decisions on stakeholders, supporting their development as informed, responsible individuals. 

The qualification also provides a strong foundation for a wide range of future destinations. Many students progress to university courses in accounting, finance, business management or related disciplines, while the practical and analytical skills developed are highly valued in careers such as auditing, financial services, management accounting, and entrepreneurship. 

Ultimately, the intent of our A Level Accounting curriculum is to ensure that students leave King Edward VI School as technically competent, reflective and financially literate individuals, capable of analysing complex financial information, evaluating business performance, and applying their knowledge confidently to further study, professional practice, and life beyond the classroom.

Staff

The following members of staff form the Business, Economics and Accounting department at King Edwards: