Just so there is no misunderstanding, these posts are from 2001. British Airways does not offer flying sponsorships in 2005!

As for A-levels and degrees, this subject has been covered hundreds of times. For pilot employment in UK you do not need a degree at all. A-levels are only rarely required, and then only for one or two sponsorships (when they exist). Specific subjects at A-level (Maths and/or Physics) are not required for employment with the sole exception of Britannia's part-sponsorship in (I think) 2003/4.

Those who are not aiming at sponsorships are not required to have any spcific academic qualifications at all. That is not to say, however, that academic qualifications are not important, or that they will not make a difference to your chances of employment. Just don't take any subject (such as aeronautical engineering) because you think it'll make you more employable as a pilot; it won't. Do it because you want to, and for no other reason.

Scroggs