GCSE Study Options

General Certificates in Secondary Education (GCSEs) are taken by the majority of students at the end of Key Stage 4 (covering Years 10 and 11, students aged 14-16). They indicate that you have achieved a certain level of general education and give you a route into higher level qualifications such as GNVQs, NVQs, a BTEC First or National Diploma, AS and A levels or a Modern Apprenticeship.

There are more than 50 different subject areas to choose from at GCSE.

How you will be assessed
GCSEs are assessed and marked in a variety of ways, covering both coursework and examinations, giving you marks for all the things you do well.  GCSE results are reported on a scale of grades from A*-G. Those students who do not achieve the standard required for a grade G are reported with a ‘U’. In most subjects, examinations are tiered. The Higher tier is targeted at grades A*-D, while the Foundation tier is targeted at grades C-G. Mathematics has three tiers, while some subjects, like History and Art, have none.

Progression options
With 2 or 3 GCSEs you can take a Foundation GNVQ or NVQs at level 1.
With 5 or 6 GCSEs, 2 or 3 at D or above, you can usually go on to an Intermediate GNVQ, a BTEC First Diploma, or NVQs at level 2.
A student with 5 GCSEs at grades A* - C has a wider range of further education options: a VCE or Vocational A level, a course of AS/A levels, a BTEC National Diploma, NVQs, a Modern Apprenticeship or a mixture of these qualifications.