How do I write a personal statement? What should it include?

A personal statement is your way to convince a university that you are good enough and have enough interest in your chosen subject to be on their course. 

A good personal statement should explain what skills you have developed through your studies and extra-curricular activities. It needs to be unique for you to stand out from the crowd and show that you really are interested and enthusiastic about your subject!

Intro: explain why you are interested in the subject. How did you come to love the subject? What is it about the subject that you like?

Main: show your enthusiasm for the subject and talk about what skills you've developed which might be relevant. What particular topic in your subject do you enjoy studying at A Level and why? What skills has your A Level course taught you? How can your other subjects give you skills that might help in your chosen degree subject? Do you do any extra-curricular activities which further emphasise your interest in your subject, or give you useful skills that are relevant to it?

Conclusion: sum up your enthusiasm for the subject and express that you are looking forward to studying it. Maybe briefly mention how you look forward to a career in that area, if applicable.