Home > Courses > Education & Training > Education > GCSE > GCSE English Language

GCSE English Language

Study Method In-class, Online
Provider Lift College
Recognition AQA
Start Date Enrol anytime
Lift College

Course overview

GCSE English Language is a Level 1/2 qualification awarded by AQA under specification 8700 (Ofqual QAN 601/4292/3). It is an RQF Level 2 qualification graded on the 9 to 1 scale, comprising two untiered 1-hour-45-minute written papers of 80 marks each, weighted 50% apiece, plus a non-examination spoken language endorsement.

This is the same GCSE sat in UK schools, and is widely required by employers, apprenticeship providers, NHS, civil service, and universities. Grade 4 is recognised as a “standard pass” equivalent to the former grade C.

Who's It For?

  • Those who need GCSE English at grade 4 or above to meet an NHS, civil service, apprenticeship, or teacher training entry requirement.
  • Candidates who want an untiered specification — AQA 8700 has no Foundation or Higher choice, so every candidate can access grades 1 to 9.
  • Those resitting: AQA permits unlimited resits within the shelf life of the qualification.
  • Private candidates, home-educated learners, or those in work — AQA explicitly allows entry through an approved school or college without enrolling as a student there.
  • Those who left school without a grade 4 or above and want to remove that barrier.

Job outcomes

  • NHS Healthcare Assistant / Clinical Support Worker (Bands 2–4)
  • Civil Service Administrative Officer
  • Business Administration Apprentice and Administrator
  • Teacher Training Entry (Secondary Teacher)

Want to see more job outcomes and how your future could change?

What you'll learn

The specification covers:

  • Reading: fiction and non-fiction texts, identifying information, inferring meaning, evaluating a writer’s choices.
  • Writing: descriptive, narrative, and transactional forms.
  • Spoken Language: a teacher-assessed spoken language endorsement graded as Pass, Merit, Distinction, or Not Classified, reported separately on the certificate.

Recognitions

AQA

Accredited/ Certified by AQA

Study method

  • In-class In-class info icon
    In class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
  • Online Online info icon
    Online delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
  • Blended Blended info icon
    Blended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
  • Virtual Virtual info icon
    Virtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
xo-logo

coursesonline.co.uk customers are now eligible to apply for an XO Student Discount Card.

Enrol in a course today to unlock exclusive deals.

Duration study load

Typical study time is 12 to 18 months. The course is self-paced with no fixed term dates — start any time. Most learners spend around 6 to 12 hours a week, but there is no minimum study commitment and you can study more or less based on your own pace.

Delivery

The course is studied 100% online with UK tutor support. Written exams are sat at an approved centre. There are 10 approved exam centres across England: Birmingham, Bolton, Coventry, Doncaster, High Wycombe, Mitcham, Newcastle, Romford, St Neots, and Taunton, run by Tutors and Exams.

Entry requirements

  • You need to be aged 18 or over to enrol.
  • A reasonable standard of written English (Functional Skills Level 1 minimum).
  • A reliable internet connection, computer or tablet, and basic word-processing skills.
  • Willingness to attend an approved exam centre for written exams.

Find out more about the entry requirements for this course

Course features

  • Personal named UK subject tutor from enrolment through to exam series.
  • Exam-style practice questions in every unit, submitted for individual written feedback within 5 to 7 working days.
  • Progress tracking via learner dashboard showing unit scores, topic strengths, and areas to revisit.
  • Optional pre-series exam readiness check including a timed mock paper and written summary.
  • AI Study Assistant and study support tools.
  • 7-day free trial on every sign-up; cancel anytime.
  • 14-day money-back guarantee on every enrolment.
  • Resubmit work at no extra cost to reach the grade you want.
  • Optional study planner for added structure.
  • Learner community forum.
  • No fixed term dates — start any time.

Work placement

Candidates must attend an approved exam centre for their written exams. Exams are sat at Tutors and Exams centres across England: Birmingham, Bolton, Coventry, Doncaster, High Wycombe, Mitcham, Newcastle, Romford, St Neots, and Taunton.

Professional Recognition

This is an Ofqual-regulated qualification listed on the Register of Regulated Qualifications, awarded by AQA — a recognised UK awarding body. It is regulated to RQF Level 2 and is accepted by UK universities, employers, and professional bodies. Independently quality-checked through IQA and EQA processes.

Assessment

GCSE English Language (AQA 8700) is assessed by two written papers taken in May or June, plus a spoken language endorsement. All exam texts are unseen.

  • Paper 1: Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing. 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks, 50%. Section A: Reading — one literature fiction text (40 marks): four questions (1 × 4, 2 × 8, 1 × 20). Section B: descriptive or narrative writing (40 marks; 24 marks content, 16 marks technical accuracy).
  • Paper 2: Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives. 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks, 50%. Section A: Reading — one non-fiction text and one literary non-fiction text (40 marks): four questions (1 × 4, 1 × 8, 1 × 12, 1 × 16). Section B: writing to present a viewpoint (40 marks).
  • Spoken Language endorsement. Separately endorsed; does not contribute to the 9 to 1 grade. Graded as Pass, Merit, Distinction, or Not Classified, and reported separately on the certificate.

Grading: 9 to 1, with a separate spoken language endorsement grade.

Payment options

Course fees:

Study: £407.99 or £39.99 per month

Study + Exams: £713.99 or £69.99 per month

  • Pay monthly — spread the cost with no interest; cancel anytime.
  • Pay annually — save versus monthly pricing.
  • No credit checks and no contract. Pause or cancel anytime.
  • Employer sponsorship available — funding paperwork can be sent to your employer.
  • 7-day free trial on every option; nothing is charged until the trial ends.
  • 14-day money-back guarantee on every enrolment.

Find out more about the payment options for this course

About Lift College

Lift College is a fully online UK education provider dedicated to A-Levels and GCSEs. Every course is designed, taught and assessed to give adult and independent learners a genuine second route into the qualifications employers, universities and colleges recognise. All teaching happens online. Learners study on our purpose-built online campus with a named UK tutor, structured modules, marked assignments and an AI Study Assistant that answers questions instantly and points learners to the exact page of the specification they need. There is no timetable to keep, no travel, and no fixed start date. Learners begin any day of the year, pause and resume when life gets busy, and move through the material at whatever pace works for them. Every course starts with a 7-day free trial. Learners get full access to the online campus, tutor support, and study materials from day one, and nothing is charged until the trial ends. After the trial, learners have a further 14-day refund period, so there is no financial risk in trying Lift College properly before committing. After that, courses run on a simple monthly subscription with exam entry included. There is no contract, no commitment, no exit fees, no credit checks, and no risk. Learners can cancel or pause at any time, for any reason, in a couple of clicks from their dashboard. Written exams are sat in person at established private-candidate exam centres across England, with entry, venue and invigilation arranged for the learner in advance. Every A-Level and GCSE is delivered to the same awarding-body specifications, and results in the same certificates, as those awarded in schools and colleges. UKPRN 10102267.

Want to know more about this course?
Complete the form and learn about:

  • Pricing and payment options
  • Start dates
  • Subjects
  • Study method
  • How to get help and contact information
  • Everything you need to know before enrolling!
What can you expect

What can you expect?

Complete the form and learn about everything you need to know before enrolling!

  • Receive a consultation from a course expert
  • Pricing and payment options
  • Start dates
  • Subjects
  • Study Method
  • How to get help and contact information

Want to know more about this course?

Get your free course guide now! Complete this easy form and you'll receive a course guide and consultation from Lift College

By submitting this enquiry I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"