This is really noticeable if you go through A levels, then end up in a university course with a high foreign student intake. The first year is almost entirely c

This is really noticeable if you go through A levels, then end up in a university course with a high foreign student intake. The first year is almost entirely catch-up, as those who didn't do A levels get the content pumped into them so that the course proper can start in the second year.