ok, A-Levels are an ikkle bit longer, but not much!! The new Scottish "Advanced Higher" (which is the next step after higher)is more demanding than A-level.
A-level is in between Higher and Advanced Higher.
And most people have 3 A-levels? Oxbridge look for 5 A level passes. For the record, i declined an interview for oxford for the sheer hell of it!
Anyway, GSCE=Standard Grade
Higher <mostly>=A-Level
There isnt that much of a gap!!!