A-level student in London – accounting route advice (uni vs AAT vs something else?)
Hi everyone,
I’m currently doing my A-levels in London and want to go into accounting/finance, but I’m a bit stuck on what the best route is after sixth form.
Originally I was aiming for an apprenticeship because earning while learning and getting experience seems like the smartest option, but I’ve applied to quite a few and the competition seems insane, especially in London. So I’m trying to work out a backup plan (or maybe even a better plan).
From what I’ve seen, some people say accounting degrees from uni aren’t as valuable on their own unless they lead into ACA/ACCA/CIMA anyway, and that employers care more about qualifications + experience than just the degree. That’s what’s making me hesitate about committing to 3 years at uni plus debt if it doesn’t actually improve employability much.
So I’m considering things like:
- Going to uni for accounting & finance
- Doing AAT after A-levels, then progressing to ACCA/ACA
- Trying harder for apprenticeships / school leaver programmes
- Any other routes I might be missing
A few questions:
- If you were in my position, what route would you take in 2026?
- Is AAT worth doing straight after A-levels, or is it mainly for career changers / people already working?
- For London specifically, how hard is it to break into accounting without an apprenticeship?
- Does going to a decent uni actually help much for accounting, or is experience + professional qualifications way more important?