A Level Computer Science tutor online (9618)
Taught for Cambridge (CAIE), AQA and OCR.
At a glance
Our A Level Computer Science tutors teach Cambridge International 9618, AQA 7517 and OCR H446. Live 1:1 or small-group online classes cover theory topics from data representation to artificial intelligence, alongside pseudocode, programming practice, algorithm design and support with the practical paper or programming project requirements.
A Level Computer Science key facts
| Cambridge (CAIE) | Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science (9618), 4 papers/components (official syllabus) |
|---|---|
| AQA | AQA A-level Computer Science (7517), 3 papers/components (official syllabus) |
| OCR | OCR A Level Computer Science (H446), 3 papers/components (official syllabus) |
| 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. |
| Topics covered | 11 syllabus topics, with past-paper practice |
| Lesson format | Live online, 1:1 (60 min) or small group (75 min); first class free |
Facts last verified:
A Level Computer Science suits students aiming for computer science, software engineering, data science, cyber security or electronic engineering degrees. It extends IGCSE, O Level or GCSE Computer Science, but goes much further into how hardware, operating systems, networks and databases work, while expecting genuine programming fluency. Students who have only written short programs at school usually need structured practice in a real language before the second-year topics on recursion, object-oriented programming and data structures.
Cambridge 9618 has two AS papers, a theory paper and a problem-solving and programming paper, then adds an advanced theory paper and a practical programming paper for the full A Level. In the UK, AQA 7517 sets an on-screen programming paper and a written theory paper, while OCR H446 sets a computer systems paper and an algorithms and programming paper. Both UK boards also include a programming project, assessed as non-exam assessment and worth 20% of the A Level.
Students commonly struggle to trace algorithms accurately, write pseudocode that follows the board's conventions, or explain theory such as floating-point representation and network protocols in precise technical language. The practical paper rewards systematic testing and readable code. Our tutors combine short daily coding exercises with dry-run tables and topic-sorted theory questions, so students build programming confidence and written accuracy together. We guide project work on the UK boards without writing it for the student.
How is A Level Computer Science (9618) examined?
Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science (9618)
Official syllabus from Cambridge (CAIE)| Paper | Duration | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Theory Fundamentals | 1 hour 30 minutes | 75 | 50% of AS Level / 25% of A Level |
| Paper 2: Fundamental Problem-solving and Programming Skills | 2 hours | 75 | 50% of AS Level / 25% of A Level |
| Paper 3: Advanced Theory | 1 hour 30 minutes | 75 | 25% of A Level |
| Paper 4: Practical | 2 hours 30 minutes | 75 | 25% of A Level |
2026 syllabus. Series: May/June and October/November.
AQA A-level Computer Science (7517)
Official syllabus from AQA| Paper | Duration | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: On-screen examProgramming tasks using a skeleton program and preliminary material issued by AQA. | 2 hours 30 minutes | – | 40% of A Level |
| Paper 2: Written examShort and extended theory questions. | 2 hours 30 minutes | – | 40% of A Level |
| Non-exam assessment: programming project | – | 75 | 20% of A Level |
Linear: all exams in May/June of one year.
OCR A Level Computer Science (H446)
Official syllabus from OCR| Paper | Duration | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Computer systems | 2 hours 30 minutes | 140 | 40% of A Level |
| Paper 2: Algorithms and programming | 2 hours 30 minutes | 140 | 40% of A Level |
| Programming project (non-exam assessment) | – | 70 | 20% 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 Computer Science?
- 1
Information representation
Converting negative numbers to two's complement without fixing the number of bits first.
- 2
Communication and networks
Describing the internet and the World Wide Web as the same thing.
- 3
Hardware and processor fundamentals
Mixing up the roles of the MAR and MDR in the fetch–execute cycle.
- 4
System software
Listing operating system functions without explaining how each manages a resource.
- 5
Security, privacy, data integrity, ethics and ownership
Treating validation and verification as interchangeable terms.
- 6
Databases
Normalising a table without removing partial dependencies before moving to third normal form.
- 7
Algorithm design, data types and structures
Losing track of pointer values when dry-running a linked list or queue.
- 8
Programming and software development
Writing pseudocode that ignores the board's conventions for declaring variables and arrays.
- 9
A Level data representation, communication and hardware
Normalising floating-point numbers with the mantissa and exponent signs mismatched.
- 10
Security, encryption and artificial intelligence
Describing asymmetric encryption with the private key used for encryption in a confidentiality scenario.
- 11
Computational thinking and further programming
Writing a recursive function without a base case that stops the recursion.
Not sure which fits? Chat on WhatsApp
How do our online Computer Science classes work?
Diagnostic
A short check of what your child already knows against the syllabus.
Topic teaching
Clear explanations on a shared whiteboard, one topic at a time.
Past-paper practice
Exam questions from your board, timed and marked to the mark scheme.
Feedback
What went well, what to fix and what to practise before next class.
How do you get top marks in A Level Computer Science?
Practise writing pseudocode to the board's published guide, including declarations, loops and file handling.
Use trace tables for every algorithm question and check the final output against the expected result.
In theory answers, use technical vocabulary precisely and give one developed point per mark.
For practical work, test with normal, boundary and erroneous data and show the evidence clearly.
Read any preliminary material or skeleton code well before the exam and practise modifying it.
How much does A Level Computer Science tutoring cost?
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 Computer Science FAQs
How can I get an A* in A Level Computer Science?
An A* in A Level Computer Science requires strong programming practice combined with precise theory answers. Code regularly in the language your course uses, solve past algorithm questions with trace tables and learn pseudocode conventions thoroughly. Revise theory topics using mark schemes so your explanations include the technical terms examiners credit. On UK boards, plan the programming project early.
Is A Level Computer Science hard?
A Level Computer Science is challenging because it combines programming skill with a wide range of theory, from logic gates to networking. Students who already code comfortably usually find the practical side easier, while theory topics such as floating-point numbers and normalisation need careful study. Steady coding practice throughout the course makes the biggest difference.
Do I need GCSE or IGCSE Computer Science to take the A Level?
You do not always need GCSE or IGCSE Computer Science, but previous study and some programming experience help considerably. Many schools accept students with strong Maths results instead. If you are starting fresh, learn the basics of a programming language such as Python before the course begins, because practical skills are assessed from the first year.
Which programming language is used in A Level Computer Science?
Cambridge 9618 lets centres use Python, Java or Visual Basic .NET for the practical paper, and written papers use Cambridge's own pseudocode. AQA and OCR allow a choice of high-level languages for programming work and projects. Your school usually decides the language, so practise in that language consistently and learn the board's pseudocode style for written questions.
Which A Level subjects go well with Computer Science?
Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics combine most naturally with A Level Computer Science. Maths is required for many computer science degrees and supports algorithms and logic. Physics suits students interested in electronics and hardware. Economics or Business can also suit those aiming at technology management, depending on university requirements.
Still deciding? Ask us on WhatsApp
Related subjects and guides
- A Level Maths
- A Level Further Maths
- O Level Computer Science
- IGCSE Computer Science
- All A Level subjects
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