GCSE Courses

GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education, and these are qualifications usually taken by secondary school students between the ages of 14 and 16. They are often the precursor to A-Level/Level 3 qualifications. They provide an excellent basis for further study and employment opportunities, and you can study a variety of subjects over two years to achieve your GCSE.

It is not just young people and 14-16-year-olds who study for GCSE’s however, and now more than ever students of all ages are achieving their GCSE qualifications. Through distance learning, people who did not have the opportunity to study their GCSEs during school can study online flexibly. Find out further information about funding, studying, and entry requirements below.

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What Are GCSE Qualifications?

GCSEs are important qualifications that are typically taken at school age, but can be completed at any time in an adult’s life. Often, employers will ask for qualifications in Maths or English GCSEs in order to be taken on for a specific role. More widely, GCSE qualifications in specific subjects can allow learners to take on certain A-Levels or train in a particular area further.

GCSEs can help to unlock a wide variety of opportunities and can be an excellent starting point for those who are looking to advance their career and build up their skillset. Some GCSEs focus mainly on theoretical and academic exams and coursework, whilst others may focus more on learning practical skills that can be applied in a workplace.

Why Study GCSE’s?

GCSE’s are taken by the majority of school-age teenagers, and for good reason. Gaining GCSE qualifications sets you up for future careers in a variety of ways, particularly when you study English and Maths which are two of the most necessary qualifications in the U.K. for employers and further study. Some other reasons to study GCSEs include:

  • Gain a broad knowledge of the subject you are studying in line with the current syllabus. 
  • Gain a qualification by a nationally recognised awarding body.
  • Be able to demonstrate good written English, Maths, and IT skills.
  • The development of good communication and team working skills.
  • Ability to work to deadlines and assessment briefs.
  • Ability to create good, well structured academic work.
  • Ability to complete coursework and exams created by exam boards such as AQA, OCR, and Ofqual. 

These and many more are reasons why most universities, sixth form colleges and employers look for people who have obtained GCSE qualifications.

What Can I Study at GCSE?

GCSE qualifications offer a broad understanding of the subject, developed over two years. Therefore there is a huge range of GCSE subjects you can study at this level, including:

  • English Language and Literature
  • Maths
  • Biology
  • Drama
  • Art
  • Foreign Languages (e.g French, Spanish, or German)
  • Chemistry
  • ICT
  • Physics

Some places also offer more vocational qualifications such as equine studies and media studies so you can focus your studies more based around the career you want. However, for more vocational courses, you can also study a Level 2 BTEC or NVQ which is an equivalent qualification to a grade A*-C GCSE. Any GCSE grade below a grade C is defined as a Level 1 qualification. 

What Are the Entry Requirements?

GCSE qualifications often have minimal or no entry requirements. Some courses however may require basic English and/or Maths skills or require you to undergo an assessment on the specific subject before enrolling.

How Can I Study for my GCSE’s?

There are a variety of education providers offering GCSE qualifications in class, through blended learning and through distance learning. Online courses offer a flexible and affordable way to study, and are often open to students who do not meet the entry requirements or who have been through alternative routes of study previously. Whether you choose an in-class, blended or online course, your qualification will be of the same level and you will have access to all teaching materials, exams and coursework.

You can apply online and work either full time or part-time. GCSE usually takes 2 years to complete, however, some organisations also offer 1-year fast track options and longer part-time courses.

Where Can I Get Funding?

There are a variety of ways to help fund your GCSE qualification/s. The Gov Website lists some of the most common ways to fund GCSE’s and A-Levels including grants and bursaries. There is also the opportunity with most courses to pay in instalments or on a monthly basis, as well as discounted distance learning courses.