Why Independent Study Matters at KS5

Success at A Level depends as much on what students do outside the classroom as what happens in lessons. At Key Stage 5, students are expected to work independently, take responsibility for their learning, and develop the habits needed for university, apprenticeships and the workplace.

Productive independent study helps students:

• Consolidate and deepen subject knowledge

• Identify and address gaps in understanding

• Develop exam technique and subject confidence

• Build independence, resilience and time-management skills
   

To support students in doing this effectively, we use Floor, Core and Gold Standards for independent study in every A Level subject.

What Do Floor, Core and Gold Mean?

Floor Standard – the minimum expectation
The Floor standard sets out the essential independent study that every student must complete each week. This includes completing set tasks, consolidating lesson content, and engaging with core learning platforms or resources.
Meeting the Floor standard means a student is keeping up with the course and maintaining basic progress.

Core Standard – expected for strong progress
The Core standard reflects the level of independent study needed to make secure and consistent progress at A Level. This includes revisiting previous learning, completing exam practice, acting on feedback, and refining understanding.
Students working at Core are actively improving their knowledge and skills, not just completing tasks.

Gold Standard – stretching towards excellence
The Gold standard is for students who want to excel. It involves deeper independent learning, such as extended exam practice, wider reading or research, refining work beyond target grades, and showing strong independence and initiative.
Gold standard study helps students maximise outcomes and prepares them particularly well for higher education.

Please see our guidance document for more information.