Shorter, smarter? Why more Teens are skipping the A Level tradition

By Ariyana Sirinanda

In today’s ever-evolving world, alternatives are everywhere. From journaling on a sleek device instead of scribbling in a forgotten notebook, to walking on a treadmill while working rather than carving out time for a separate stroll, modern life constantly offers new ways to do old things. Even in education, students are increasingly exploring different paths, rethinking long-held traditions in favour of faster, more flexible options.

While many students in Sri Lanka still follow the traditional A-level route, an increasing number are opting for an alternative path. Foundation or preparatory courses are becoming increasingly popular, offering a quicker path into certain universities, provided students have the required O-level results. But why move away from a path generations have followed for years? To get a better understanding, here is some insight from parents who decided to make the switch.

“I knew my son couldn’t meet the demanding academic standard required by A-levels - instead,
we decided he should pursue a degree at the Academy of Design because of his artistic talents,
where he was prepped for only six months after his O-Levels and then immediately began a
degree in graphic design.” - A parent (Ruki Mendis)

“We chose the foundation course for our daughter because it offered a faster, more practical
route into a business degree. With university fees rising, the affordability and shorter period also
made a lot of sense for us. She was also able to start focusing on her interests sooner, without
the added stress and time of A-levels, and that has made a big difference in her confidence.” - A
parent 

For many students, these courses offer the chance to focus on what they’re passionate about,
while gaining practical experience and avoiding the pressure-heavy environment of A-levels.
Here’s what some of them had to say.

“I chose to pursue a degree instead of A-Levels because it allowed me to engage with real-
world projects, industry leaders, and hands-on experiences that actively prepare me for my
future career prospects. I chose a degree because it’s a path that pushes me to develop
professionally and personally, with opportunities that stretch far beyond the classroom -
opportunities that I wouldn’t have been able to gain if I had done my A-levels instead.” - A
student (Kanzy Lalan)

“I chose to do my degree because it’s a shorter path to where I want to be. It is also a less
stressful and calm environment where the workload isn’t too much, and I can also focus on my
other work or extracurricular activities while still balancing my studies. It also gives me a more
practical standpoint of studying with fewer exams and tests.” - A student (Yevan Athauda)

“My Hospitality course has taught me confidence, which is something no A-level textbooks could
give me. A Levels are too time-consuming, and I wasn’t passionate about them. My hospitality
course has given me real-world skills from day one.” - A student (Emery Sandi-Myint)

For many students today, the traditional A-level route is simply not the right fit, and that’s okay.
As these inputs show, the decision to choose foundation courses often comes down to
something personal: recognising a different strength, a clearer goal, or simply a more practical
path. Whether it’s a parent supporting a creative child or a student seeking real-world relevance,
foundation programmes and direct entry degrees are opening doors that feel more aligned with
individual ambitions. In a world where flexibility is becoming just as important as academics, it’s
no surprise that more students are choosing to take the path that works best for them.