The Best Resources for A Level Physics: What to Use and Why

Choosing the right resources is essential for success in A Level Physics. With so many options available — from textbooks and websites to YouTube channels and past papers — it can be difficult to know which tools are worth your time.

In this guide, I’ve reviewed some of the best A Level Physics resources available, including their advantages and disadvantages, to help you build a revision toolkit that suits your needs.

1 – Practise University Entrance Exams Online – Click Here

Overview:

Targeted practice for the ENGAA, NSAA, and the new ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test) is essential for students aiming for elite university engineering and science courses. As the ESAT replaces the legacy ENGAA and NSAA for Cambridge and Imperial admissions, these resources help students navigate the shift to a computer-based, multiple-choice format.

Advantages:

  • Bridges the gap between A Level content and Oxbridge admissions

  • Focuses on high-speed problem solving under strict time constraints

  • Develops advanced mathematical reasoning and logic

  • Essential for navigating the new computer-based ESAT format

Disadvantages:

  • High level of difficulty can be daunting without a strong foundation

  • Questions often require a different approach than standard A Level papers

  • Limited official past paper resources for the brand-new ESAT format

Best For:

Bridging the gap to university-level thinking and securing offers for competitive engineering and science degrees.

2 – A Level Physics Textbooks (e.g., CGP, Pearson, Oxford)

Overview:

Textbooks aligned with specific exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) are a staple of A Level Physics study. They offer syllabus-specific content, worked examples, and end-of-chapter questions.

Advantages:

  • Fully aligned to your exam board

  • Structured content that mirrors the course

  • Reliable and accurate explanations

  • Often include summaries and exam tips

Disadvantages:

  • Can be dry or overly wordy

  • Limited interactivity

  • Some students find them hard to engage with without guidance

Best For:

Learning and consolidating theory, especially if you like a structured, linear approach.

3 – Online Video Platforms (e.g., YouTube, UpLearn)

Overview:

Video-based learning offers a dynamic alternative to static textbooks. Platforms like UpLearn or specific YouTube channels provide visual explanations of complex physics phenomena and step-by-step mathematical derivations.

Advantages:

  • Visual representations of abstract concepts (e.g., fields and particles)

  • Ability to pause, rewind, and re-watch difficult sections

  • Often includes exam-style walkthroughs and common pitfalls

  • Engaging format for students who find reading textbooks difficult

Disadvantages:

  • Can lead to “passive learning” if students don’t take active notes

  • Quality and depth of content can vary significantly between creators

  • May not always align perfectly with your specific exam board’s mark scheme

Best For:

Visual learners and students struggling to grasp the conceptual “why” behind physics theories.

4 – Past Paper Practice (e.g., Physics & Maths Tutor)

Overview:

Working through authentic past exam papers is the gold standard for A Level revision. It familiarises students with the specific language of the examiners and the strict time pressure of the real assessment.

Advantages:

  • Directly tests your ability to apply knowledge to exam questions

  • Highlights specific gaps in your understanding of the syllabus

  • Essential for mastering mark scheme “keywords” that gain marks

  • Builds time-management skills and exam-day confidence

Disadvantages:

  • Can be demotivating if attempted before the core theory is understood

  • Mark schemes can sometimes be brief or difficult to interpret alone

  • Over-reliance on “pattern matching” without true conceptual understanding

Best For:

Final exam preparation and refining technique to move from a Grade B to an A or A*.

5 – Online Tuition (thealevelphysicstutor.com)

Overview:

One-to-one online tuition provides a bespoke learning experience tailored to a student’s individual pace. Using tools like Microsoft Whiteboard and Zoom, complex topics are broken down and addressed in real-time.

Advantages:

  • Personalised focus on your specific weaknesses and “sticking points”

  • Real-time feedback on your working out and mathematical logic

  • Flexible scheduling that fits around your college timetable

  • High-level support for those aiming for top grades or university entrance

Disadvantages:

  • Requires a higher financial investment than self-study resources

  • Success depends on the rapport and communication with the tutor

  • Requires consistent attendance and independent follow-up work

Best For:

Students who need targeted intervention, those aiming for elite universities, or anyone needing a confidence boost in their mathematical physics.

 

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