In 1986, GCSE exams were introduced in the British education system. It is the most common type of academic qualification in the country, with around 5 million students taking them each year. 

In this expansive article, we cover everything from the GCSE average point score to function skills equivalent to GCSE to GCSE equivalent qualifications and more. 

What does GCSE stand for and what is a GCSE course like?

‘GCSE’ is an abbreviation for General Certificate of Secondary Education. The qualification is highly valued by not only schools and colleges but also employers across the UK, revolving mainly around studying a subject’s theory, along with some investigative work, although some GCSE subjects involve practical work as well. 

Students typically start preparing for their GCSE exams in Year 9 or 10 of their formal education, which depends on the school they attend, and the subject they have studied. The exams are taken towards the end of Year 11. 

Most students prefer to take at least 5 GCSEs at Key Stage 4, so that they can achieve the necessary qualifications in core subjects such as Maths, Science, and English – in addition to any two subjects they choose. This is not etched in stone, however, as different schools have different requirements. 

The GCSE concept has changed significantly over the years. Now, students can take up more subjects than before. Existing subjects, regulations, exam formats, and the GCSE point score have all changed considerably. 

GCSEs are typically studied by 14-16 year olds, although you can always secure your GCSE qualification at any age. 

How crucial are GCSEs in an individual’s academic journey?

Very!

GCSEs act as the first formal record of your educational potential and abilities. Many people incorrectly assume that GCSEs matter only when you want to get into college whereas, in reality, they play a major role in your life well after you’ve secured your qualifications, finished college, and moved into a professional field.  

So, the things you learn in a GCSE Maths or Science class, for example, is something you’ll carry with you and directly apply in various aspects of your everyday life. 

GCSEs also carry a lot of importance as they are a minimum requirement for entering most professional roles and university courses. This pretty much makes them the most important academic qualification in the UK – more so than ‘A’ Levels because these cannot get you very far unless you get a good GCSE average point score in core subjects. 

However, GCSEs aren’t a mandatory academic qualification as many universities set their own standards and requirements while employers can also be rather subjective, with a number of factors affecting hiring. So, if completing your GCSEs right now is not on the cards, don’t worry!

However, in case you are wondering ‘how many GCSEs do you need for university’, then this useful read is worth looking into. 

How long does a GCSE course typically last?

The length of a GCSE course can vary, depending on your mode or method of study. For example, in a traditional UK school setting, you may be required to take a certain number of GCSE exams at once, so it might take you between 2 and 3 years to complete, depending on the individual school system and the subjects chosen. 

Full-time students have completed GCSE courses over the course of two years, while some have taken GCSE short courses which take just a year to complete. 

Are online GCSE courses available?

what are GCSEs learning

Yes, in fact, online GCSE courses is one of the quickest and easiest ways to secure your qualification. As soon as you enrol, you can access the materials online and start preparing. After completing one module, you can progress to the next. 

Online GCSE courses do, however, differ from traditional or college-based GCSE courses as you are not required to complete the course materials at the same pace as everyone else in a classroom setting. That’s certainly very convenient if you prefer to study on your own or, perhaps, if you want to complete your GCSEs earlier than everyone else. 

What is a pass in GCSE?

The UK government has set ‘grade 4’ as the standard passing grade, while ‘grade 5’ is considered a ‘strong pass’. This would be the equivalent of a high C and low B, respectively, according to the old grading system. 

Grade 4, therefore, is the minimum level students have to achieve without having to resit Maths and English post-16.

What are functional skills equivalent to GCSE?

Functional Skills Level are equivalent to a GCSE Grade 1-3 or D-G while Level 2 Functional Skills are equivalent to a Grade 4 – that’s ‘C’ according to the old system. 

So, if you want to meet university entry requirements, Level 2 Functional Skills would be the course you’d want to take. 

What are GCSE equivalent qualifications?

The IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is the most equivalent to GCSEs. 

It is a 2-year programme where the results are certified according to the same grading system that governs GCSEs. 

What is the GCSE point score?

The GCSE point score, also known as GCSE average point score, is the average grade in reformed GCSE results. So, let’s say you take 10 GCSEs and receive Grade 8 in 5 of the subjects, and Grade 7 in the other 5 – your average would come to 7.5. 

It’s important to understand what GCSE Grades 1-9 mean. Some students believe that the new grading system is a continuation or replication of the previous A* to G grading system. This isn’t the case because the Grade 1-9 system is not intended to replace the previous lettered system. 

In case you’re wondering what a good GCSE point score is, then a Grade 5 indicates a ‘strong pass’. Anything above this grade is considered reasonably good. 

A score of 6.5, for example, is considered average – where you studied for 10 GCSEs with a Grade 7 in 5 subjects and Grade 6 in the other 5. 

What GCSE courses are available to study?

Quite a few actually, to cater to each student’s unique learning goals and professional aspirations, including:

Are some of these harder than others? Sure, they can be, depending on your individual learning abilities. For example, some of the hardest GCSE subjects tend to be:

While some of the easiest ones usually are:

If I fail my GCSEs, what can I do?

Failing your GCSEs is not the end of the world, so relax!

If you did not get the desired results in your GCSE exams, then there are number of ways in which you can resit them. 

You can always go back to class by enrolling in resit classes at your local school/college. 

But if you want a more flexible timetable and don’t wish to go back to class, you can also resit your GCSEs online. In fact, many people consider retaking GCSEs as an adult.

If you want to learn more about ‘what happens if you fail your GCSEs’, then this read explains things in a lot more detail. 

Is there any way of ensuring I don’t fail my GCSEs?

While there’s no surefire way to guarantee that you don’t fail, there are some strategies you can take under advisement:

Take the right number of subjects

At the minimum, you need to take 5 GCSE subjects although you can take up to 16! The downside with the latter, however, is that you will likely find it very challenging to get a good grade in every subject. This is why, on average, most students take up to 9 GSCE subjects. 

Choose subjects you are good at 

Apart from choosing the right number of subjects, you must also consider both mandatory and elective subjects according to your individual interests as well as aspirations. 

So, right from the start, think about subjects that interest you and why you might enjoy them. If you feel that a subject is more challenging than you had anticipated, then you might as well put the same effort in another subject where you’ll actually do good. 

Also take into account how some subjects might take more time to master and complete than others. Therefore, it’s worth setting some time to investigate which areas each subject covers according to coursework topics or units, for example, and how it might impact your subject selection at the higher ‘A’ level. 

What if I want to apply for university courses with no GCSE qualifications?

Traditionally, universities ask for a combination of GSCE and A Levels grades as part of the eligibility criteria for enrolling into a degree programme. So, the GCSE courses you take now could potentially complement and even influence your subject choices in university. 

With that said, the UK education system has evolved over the years, and with it, the way people can acquire a university degree. So, as it stands, many degree programmes now offer a higher level of flexibility with regards to the GCSE qualifications they require, although English and Maths continue to be the most requested. 

Additionally, many universities are now considering other application-related elements, and not just GCSE qualifications. For example, personality and character traits like tenacity, resilience, proactiveness, etc., along with past working experience, can also help with getting accepted at academic institutions. 

Learn what are GCSEs Today 

This article will have likely answered many of the questions you might have had about GCSEs, including the all-important “what is a pass in GCSE”, and “what does GCSE stand for”. 

In many cases, GCSE qualifications can open up a lot of advanced education and career opportunities for you. If you want to learn more about how GCSEs can impact your education and career choices, expert advice is only a phone call away: 0333 344 5690.

You can also learn about additional resources for GCSE learning in 2024 now.

FAQs

What do GCSEs actually do?

GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are standardized exams in the UK that assess a student’s knowledge and skills in various subjects. They serve as a key qualification for further education and can influence future career opportunities.

What is a GCSE in the UK?

A GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) is an academic qualification in the United Kingdom that students typically pursue between the ages of 14 and 16. It assesses knowledge and skills in a range of subjects.

What are GCSE subjects?

GCSE subjects cover a wide range of disciplines, including mathematics, science, languages, humanities, arts, and vocational courses. Students usually choose a combination of subjects to study.

Is GCSE Year 10 or 11?

GCSEs are typically taken in Year 10 and Year 11 of secondary school education in the UK. Students usually start preparing for GCSE exams in Year 10 and take the exams in Year 11.

Sources

GOV.UK (2023) Additional support materials for GCSE exams in 2024. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/additional-support-materials-for-gcse-exams-in-2024 [accessed 02/01/24]

Many people assume that after a certain age, gaining new qualifications and skills is beyond them. But, you can ‘teach an old dog new tricks! Our brains are ripe at any age to soak up new information and learn new things. In fact, it could be key to staying young…

Learning a new skill or studying for a new qualification is not just something for the ‘youngsters’. You CAN learn something new at any age but, as a student, what hints and tips do we have to help you through your course?

#1 You need SPACE

First on the list is creating physical space to study. Curled up on a sofa may appeal, as does reading on the bus to work but at some point, you will need study space.

For some courses, such as those teaching a practical skill, you will need this space to be appropriate. In other words, practising nail art on family or friends, or if you’re doing a distance learning beauty therapy course, you could apply your skills on a willing friend. You can’t do these from your sofa!

#2 You need TIME

The next thing to talk about is creating space in your busy life to squeeze in learning. This is essentially about creating time for you, and your dreams and goals:

#3 The ‘Draw and Doodle’ Approach

If you are of a ‘certain age’, your memories of school and college will be of rigid learning in a set pattern, at a desk and done so quietly, listening to whoever was facilitating the lesson. It was controlled and a managed learning environment because it had to be in order for the class teacher to get through the course material.

But, with distance learning courses, you set the schedule and timetable and, providing your work through the material completing the assignments as you go, you are more than likely to be successful.

Sit at a desk or table but relax with your learning. ‘Draw and doodle’ method of learning is an interesting concept. Have a pen and paper nearby and, as you read through a piece of text or enjoy the course materials, doodle and/or draw main concepts, keywords, theories and talk or read out loud too.

#4 Stick to your plan

Distance learning IS great – fantastic course materials, helpful tutors who want you to succeed, a subject you find interesting and the feeling of stimulating your brain back into action are all reasons why so many students choose to study this way.

There is a downside in that if discipline is lacking, the end goal is lacking too. As an ‘older’ student you may be more practised at creating a plan or schedule – and sticking to it.

To get where you want or need to be – and the certificate of passing your course in the post – you need to create a plant and stick to it with NO excuses!

#5 Ask for help

You’ve read the course unit more than once, you have researched the concept online, you have read textbook extracts, you have doodled and pondered but you are still unsure…

‘Older’ learners can sometimes find it difficult asking for help. If you assume that by emailing your tutor you will be admitting defeat or showing weakness, think again because all students are where they are today because they asked for help.

 

For any student, distance learning courses can be the key to even more success at work or at home. Qualifications can provide the springboard to a new career too.

And so, with the fertile ground of the older mind, what is really stopping you from studying and learning a new skill?

 

 

After six glorious weeks of summertime fun, the day is edging ever closer – the day school starts again. For parents and grandparents this is met with a more than a little relief, but for many students, it can be an unhappy time of year.

Early mornings beckon, along with wearing a uniform, being back in class, and facing another academic year of challenges – and opportunities.

For some students, this means taking the big step into secondary school. Similarly, in university and colleges across the country, there are thousands of nervous freshers standing on the threshold of a massive life change.

Change is unnerving, and the fear and anxiety can be all consuming. Standing on the precipice of completing your home learning course, what stretches out ahead feels endless.

Thankfully, we have been in this position with students many times before, and we have some great ideas for banishing the ‘back to school’ blues…

  1. New stationery supplies – Who doesn’t love buying a new pencil case, pencils and pens, along with a pristine new notebook? If there is one thing that helps a student of any age look forward to their studies, it is shopping for new school and college supplies. And yes, a pencil topped with a fluffy fairy is perfectly acceptable…
  2. Get in touch with friends – It may feel like your home has been full of your children’s friends all summer, but there are some friends that they may not have seen. Spend the last few weeks and days of the summer hols reconnecting with old friends. Of course, children stay in touch via social media and by text, but there is no substitute for seeing your friends in person and enjoying their company.BBQ Time
  3. One last summer shindig – Summer was great, wasn’t it?! So why not go out with a bang and have one last bash full of summer time fun? From a weekend away to camping in the garden to a BBQ with family and friends, have one last gathering to say goodbye to summer and hello to school, college and studying.
  4. Get the uniform sorted – Some parents are uber-organised and buy new uniforms in before the summer holidays even start. But if you haven’t, now is the time. Staying within school or college guidelines, buy items that not only look good but will last through a lot of wear and washing. Do the same with school shoes – buy those that are comfortable and of good quality.
  5. Shop with a difference – You will no doubt have bought lots of tasty food and drink when the children were off school, but now is the time to get back into the swing of having ingredients on hand for wholesome and filling packed lunches and snacks. Make sure that you think about breakfast, too so that everyone leaves for school and work full to the brim with energy after a healthy meal.
  6. Set goals – Completing home learning courses might be a goal, joining at least one after-school activity may be another. Whatever the goal, there is research that suggests setting goals is a great way of looking forward to new challenges.

For young students either starting school for the first time or moving to secondary school, what goals would they want to set?

  1. Write Positive Notes – There is something heart-warming about finding a small piece of paper emblazoned with a warm and uplifting sentiment. It can be hidden in the pocket of their school coat or in their lunch box – sending a surprise note will lift anyone’s day.
  2. Get reading – For any student (including those on home learning courses) reading around your subject will give you a head start when it comes to completing coursework and assignments. For older students, why not pay a visit to the library or look at buying helpful guides to courses that give short, succinct summaries of the key topics covered?
  3. End-of-summer checklist – There are some things we just don’t get time to do when life is back in full swing. If you are studying as well as working, it can be impossible to get things done! So, use the last few days of your summer holiday wisely.
  4. Prepare your stories – You are bound to be asked, ‘what did you do over summer?’! This is a great way to start conversations with fellow students. Have on hand stories of summer trips and activities that you enjoyed.
  5. Something to look forward to – The first week back at school, college or your desk is a tough one. With the summer a distant memory by the end of the first day, it is common to feel overwhelmed and a little blue about the year that stretches out ahead of you. The first week will drag and so having an end-of-the-week treat to look forward to is ideal. It can be a DVD night complete with takeout, or a trip to the cinema.

How will you banish the back-to-school blues?