There are also equivalents for Scottish Highers, the International Baccalaureate, BTECs and Cambridge pre-Us.

BBC: University applications 'not recovering' at deadline

Students aiming for the Cambridge Pre-U Diploma study at least three principal subjects from a choice of 26, complete an independent research report and a "global perspectives" portfolio.

BBC: Qualifications glossary

The Cambridge, UK-based company reported pre-tax second quarter earnings before items of 54.2 million pounds, or 2.98 pence per share, up 27% over the year-ago quarter.

FORBES: ARM Holdings Posts Better Than Expected Q2 Earnings

Developed by the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), the Pre-U has been likened to a more "traditional A-level".

BBC: A-level alternative gets approval

Recently accredited and available for teaching from September 2008, the Pre-U has been developed by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) as a university entry qualification likened to a more "traditional A-level".

BBC: Qualifications glossary

The former Cambridge front man returned to the Britannia Stadium with a fresh outlook and after a promising pre-season, during which Kitson scored three times, he was back in the first-team squad.

BBC: Kitson thankful for Stoke support