Skip to content
Heights International Academy
A teacher writes circuit theory and logic notes on a whiteboard

A Level Chemistry tutor online (9701)

Taught for Cambridge (CAIE), Pearson Edexcel, AQA and OCR.

At a glance

Our A Level Chemistry tutors teach Cambridge International 9701, Pearson Edexcel International A Level (units WCH11 to WCH16), AQA 7405, Pearson Edexcel 9CH0 and OCR Chemistry A H432. Live 1:1 or small-group online classes work through physical, inorganic and organic chemistry, with regular practice on calculations, mechanisms and practical papers.

A Level Chemistry key facts

Cambridge (CAIE)Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (9701), 5 papers/components (official syllabus)
Pearson EdexcelPearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Chemistry (YCH11), 6 papers/components (official syllabus)
AQAAQA A-level Chemistry (7405), 3 papers/components (official syllabus)
Pearson EdexcelPearson Edexcel A Level Chemistry (9CH0), 3 papers/components (official syllabus)
OCROCR A Level Chemistry A (H432), 3 papers/components (official syllabus)
Cambridge May/June seriesExams run from late April to June; results are released in mid-August.
Cambridge October/November seriesExams run in October and November; results are released in mid-January.
Pearson Edexcel International A Level seriesExams are offered in January, May/June and October/November series.
UK A Levels (AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel) seriesExams run in May and June; results are released in mid-August.
Topics covered12 syllabus topics, with past-paper practice
Lesson formatLive online, 1:1 (60 min) or small group (75 min); first class free

Facts last verified:

A Level Chemistry is required or strongly preferred for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science and chemical engineering, and it supports biochemistry, natural sciences and materials degrees. It extends IGCSE, O Level or GCSE Chemistry in three directions at once: deeper physical chemistry with quantitative reasoning, systematic inorganic trends across the periodic table, and organic synthesis built on reaction mechanisms. Students applying to medical schools often take it alongside Biology and either Maths or Physics.

Cambridge 9701 follows the same five-paper pattern as the other Cambridge sciences, so AS students sit multiple choice, structured questions and a practical exam, and A Level adds a long theory paper and a planning paper. Pearson's International A Level splits the content into six units across January, June and October series. In the UK, AQA, Edexcel 9CH0 and OCR H432 are assessed linearly in three papers, with practical skills reported separately as a pass or not classified.

Organic mechanisms are the biggest challenge for most students: curly arrows must start from a lone pair or bond and finish precisely on an atom. Mole calculations across several steps, equilibrium constants with units, and electrochemical cells also cause repeated errors. Inorganic chemistry looks like memorisation but rewards explanation, for example linking trends to ionic radius or charge density. Our tutors teach mechanisms as patterns rather than lists and set multistep calculations every week.

How is A Level Chemistry (9701) examined?

Papers, timings, marks and weightings from the official specification for each board we teach.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (9701)

Official syllabus from Cambridge (CAIE)
PaperDurationMarksWeighting
Paper 1: Multiple Choice1 hour 15 minutes4031% of AS Level / 15.5% of A Level
Paper 2: AS Level Structured Questions1 hour 15 minutes6046% of AS Level / 23% of A Level
Paper 3: Advanced Practical SkillsLaboratory-based practical exam.2 hours4023% of AS Level / 11.5% of A Level
Paper 4: A Level Structured Questions2 hours10038.5% of A Level
Paper 5: Planning, Analysis and EvaluationWritten paper on experimental design and data handling.1 hour 15 minutes3011.5% of A Level

2025–2027 syllabus. AS Level: Papers 1, 2 and 3. A Level: all five papers. Series: May/June and October/November.

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Chemistry (YCH11)

Official syllabus from Pearson Edexcel
PaperDurationMarksWeighting
Unit 1 (WCH11): Structure, Bonding and Introduction to Organic Chemistry1 hour 30 minutes8040% of IAS / 20% of IAL
Unit 2 (WCH12): Energetics, Group Chemistry, Halogenoalkanes and Alcohols1 hour 30 minutes8040% of IAS / 20% of IAL
Unit 3 (WCH13): Practical Skills in Chemistry I1 hour 20 minutes5020% of IAS / 10% of IAL
Unit 4 (WCH14): Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry1 hour 45 minutes9020% of IAL
Unit 5 (WCH15): Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry1 hour 45 minutes9020% of IAL
Unit 6 (WCH16): Practical Skills in Chemistry II1 hour 20 minutes5010% of IAL

Units available in January, June and October. The IAS comprises Units 1–3.

AQA A-level Chemistry (7405)

Official syllabus from AQA
PaperDurationMarksWeighting
Paper 1Short and long answer questions.2 hours10535% of A Level
Paper 2Short and long answer questions.2 hours10535% of A Level
Paper 340 marks on practical techniques and data analysis, 20 marks across the specification, 30 multiple-choice marks.2 hours9030% of A Level

Linear: all exams in May/June of one year.

Pearson Edexcel A Level Chemistry (9CH0)

Official syllabus from Pearson Edexcel
PaperDurationMarksWeighting
Paper 1: Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry1 hour 45 minutes9030% of A Level
Paper 2: Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry1 hour 45 minutes9030% of A Level
Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Chemistry2 hours 30 minutes12040% of A Level

OCR A Level Chemistry A (H432)

Official syllabus from OCR
PaperDurationMarksWeighting
Paper 1: Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry2 hours 15 minutes10037% of A Level
Paper 2: Synthesis and analytical techniques2 hours 15 minutes10037% of A Level
Paper 3: Unified chemistry1 hour 30 minutes7026% of A Level

Cambridge May/June series

Exams run from late April to June; results are released in mid-August.

Cambridge October/November series

Exams run in October and November; results are released in mid-January.

Pearson Edexcel International A Level series

Exams are offered in January, May/June and October/November series.

UK A Levels (AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel) series

Exams run in May and June; results are released in mid-August.

Exam facts last verified:

Plan your revision with our exam dates guide, the official A Level grade thresholds and where to find official past papers.

What topics are in A Level Chemistry?

The full syllabus, with the spots where students most often lose marks.
  1. 1

    Atomic structure and electron configuration

    Writing the 4s and 3d order incorrectly for transition metal ions such as Fe³⁺.

  2. 2

    Atoms, molecules and stoichiometry

    Using the wrong mole ratio from an unbalanced equation in a titration calculation.

  3. 3

    Chemical bonding and states of matter

    Explaining boiling points with 'stronger bonds' when intermolecular forces are being broken.

  4. 4

    Chemical energetics and electrochemistry

    Reversing the sign of an enthalpy change when rearranging a Hess cycle.

  5. 5

    Equilibria and reaction kinetics

    Including solids or omitting units when writing Kc or Kp expressions.

  6. 6

    The Periodic Table, Group 2 and Group 17

    Describing a trend without explaining it in terms of atomic radius or shielding.

  7. 7

    Nitrogen and sulfur

    Forgetting the environmental consequence when asked about oxides of nitrogen.

  8. 8

    Hydrocarbons, halogen and hydroxy compounds

    Drawing curly arrows from an atom rather than from a lone pair or a bond.

  9. 9

    Carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids and nitrogen compounds

    Naming the reagent but omitting the conditions, such as heat under reflux.

  10. 10

    Polymerisation and organic synthesis

    Drawing a condensation polymer repeat unit without removing the water molecule.

  11. 11

    Analytical techniques: mass spectrometry, IR and NMR

    Assigning a proton NMR splitting pattern using the n rule incorrectly.

  12. 12

    Chemistry of transition elements

    Not linking colour to d-orbital splitting and absorbed, rather than transmitted, light.

Not sure which fits? Chat on WhatsApp

How do our online Chemistry classes work?

  1. Diagnostic

    A short check of what your child already knows against the syllabus.

  2. Topic teaching

    Clear explanations on a shared whiteboard, one topic at a time.

  3. Past-paper practice

    Exam questions from your board, timed and marked to the mark scheme.

  4. Feedback

    What went well, what to fix and what to practise before next class.

Book a free trial class

Who teaches A Level Chemistry?

All subject experts
  • Muhammad Kamran Latif, Chemistry and Biology tutor11 years
    • Chemistry
    • Biology

    Muhammad Kamran Latif

    IGCSE · O Level · AS Level · A2 Level

    MS Chemistry, GC University Lahore

  • Muskan Imran, Chemistry tutor7+ years
    • Chemistry

    Muskan Imran

    O Level · A Level

    MS Chemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University

How do you get top marks in A Level Chemistry?

  • Show every step of multistage mole calculations with units, so method marks survive an early arithmetic slip.

  • Practise drawing mechanisms neatly: dipoles, lone pairs, curly arrows and the intermediate all carry marks.

  • When asked for reagents, always add conditions such as temperature, catalyst, concentration or reflux.

  • Learn the standard colours and observations for inorganic tests; 'it changes colour' rarely earns credit.

  • In practical-planning questions, state quantities and apparatus precisely, for example a 25.0 cm³ volumetric pipette.

How much does A Level Chemistry tutoring cost?

One-to-one or small group, in your currency.

Prices shown in US dollars

  • Recommended

    One-to-one

    Fully personalised to your child

    USD 35 / class

    • 60-minute live classes at times you choose
    • A plan built from a diagnostic of your child's gaps
    • Past-paper practice marked against the mark scheme
    • Progress notes for parents
  • Small group

    Up to 6 students, 8 live classes a month

    USD 10 / class

    • 75-minute live classes, 8 per month
    • Taught to your exam board and syllabus code
    • Weekly past-paper questions with feedback
    • Class recordings and notes
  • Intensive exam prep

    12 one-to-one classes a month before exams

    USD 32 / class

    • Three 60-minute classes a week
    • Timed past papers and full mock exams
    • Topic-by-topic weak-spot drills
    • Pack discount of 10% applied

Prices are per class unless shown per month: one-to-one classes are 60 minutes and group classes 75 minutes. Your trial class is free and doesn't turn into a paid plan by itself. Pricing FAQ

A Level Chemistry FAQs

How can I get an A* in A Level Chemistry?

An A* in A Level Chemistry depends on secure calculation skills, accurate organic mechanisms and plenty of timed past-paper practice marked against official schemes. Build flashcards for reagents, conditions and observations, then test yourself regularly. Practise practical and planning questions early, because they reward specific detail. Reviewing your errors after every paper turns repeated mistakes into marks gained.

Is A Level Chemistry harder than A Level Biology?

Many students find A Level Chemistry harder than Biology because it relies more on calculations and abstract models, whereas Biology relies more on detailed recall and extended writing. The difficulty depends on your strengths: students comfortable with maths often prefer Chemistry. Both subjects have demanding practical and data-analysis components, and both reward consistent revision over the full course.

Do I need A Level Chemistry for medicine?

Most UK and many international medical schools require A Level Chemistry, usually alongside Biology or another science. A few accept Biology with another science instead, but Chemistry remains the most common requirement. Entry rules vary between universities and change from year to year, so always check each medical school's published entry requirements before choosing your subjects.

What is the hardest topic in A Level Chemistry?

Students most often name organic mechanisms, electrochemistry and equilibrium calculations as the hardest A Level Chemistry topics. Mechanisms demand precise curly-arrow notation, electrochemistry involves cell potentials and sign conventions, and equilibria require careful algebra with units. Spaced practice, worked examples and regular mixed-topic questions make each of these far more manageable.

Which A Level subjects go well with Chemistry?

Biology, Mathematics and Physics are the most common subjects taken with A Level Chemistry. Biology with Chemistry suits medicine, pharmacy and biomedical science, while Maths and Physics with Chemistry suit chemical engineering and natural sciences. The right mix depends on your intended degree, so compare the entry requirements of several universities before choosing.

Still deciding? Ask us on WhatsApp

Try a free A Level Chemistry class

Tell us the curriculum and subject. We'll match a specialist tutor in your timezone.