96 points: the route comparison

These are tariff comparisons under the named qualification tables. A row marked no exact band does not mean there is no route to university; it means that award has no overall-grade value at this exact number.

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Qualification routes compared with 96 UCAS points
Qualification routeResultTariff comparison
Three GCE A levelsCCC96
BTEC National Extended DiplomaMMM96
BTEC National DiplomaDD96
Full T LevelPass, core C or above96

Source: Pearson: BTEC and A-level tariff comparison

All exact three-A-level combinations for 96

These combinations use three passing GCE A-level grades, without AS or EPQ additions. The order is irrelevant to the total, but subject placement matters when the offer names a subject. This is an arithmetic enumeration rather than a list of university offers.

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Three passing GCE A levels totalling exactly 96
GradesPoint calculationTotal
A* / D / E56 + 24 + 1696
A / C / E48 + 32 + 1696
A / D / D48 + 24 + 2496
B / B / E40 + 40 + 1696
B / C / D40 + 32 + 2496
C / C / C32 + 32 + 3296

Source: Pearson: BTEC and A-level tariff comparison

Check the two T Level Pass bands before comparing

A full T Level Pass is not one universal total. The core C-or-above band is 96, while a Pass with core D or E is 72. If you need a minimum of 96 from an accepted T Level, confusing those bands changes your plan.

For BTEC routes, MMM and DD can both represent 96, but they belong to different qualification sizes. A course specifying a three-A-level-sized award is not automatically satisfied by a smaller award with the same points.

Mixed qualification examples reaching 96

The examples below calculate totals only. They do not confirm that a course accepts the mix, that the qualifications have no overlapping content, or that a named subject requirement is satisfied. In a mixed route, check the qualification titles and contribution rules before treating the total as usable.

On a small screen, scroll the table sideways to compare all columns.

Mixed-route arithmetic examples for 96
CombinationCalculationTotal
A level B + C + D40 + 32 + 2496
A level B + C + EPQ A40 + 32 + 2496
National Extended Certificate D + A level A48 + 4896

Turn the number into an offer checklist

Write the actual offer next to your predicted or achieved record. Give each separate condition its own line so that a high total cannot conceal a missing requirement. If a condition excludes a qualification, calculate a second total with that qualification removed.

Teaching example

A short question for the admissions team

I am considering your course and expect approximately 96 tariff points from the following exact qualifications and grades: [list]. Your course page states [copy condition]. Does this combination meet the accepted qualification route, and are there required subjects or units I should check?

Replace the bracketed fields with your actual record and course. Do not send this as a claim that a calculator has confirmed admission.

Check your progress

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If your result is below the stated condition

Check whether the course provides an alternative qualification route or a contextual offer that actually applies to you. A lower offer is not automatic. If results have already been issued, read the status in your UCAS account and contact the provider about the outcome; a calculator cannot change that decision.

Use nearby grade totals to understand the arithmetic, not to predict which university will accept a shortfall. Only the provider can confirm an exception, and requirements can differ between courses at the same university.