gcse coursework definition

What is a GCSE? A Clear Explanation of the UK’s Secondary School Qualification

GCSEs are an essential qualification for students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The results of GCSEs significantly affect a student’s future career. Universities and employers use the GCSEs to assess students’ academic ability and potential. 

The grades achieved in GCSEs also determine the courses and qualifications a student can take at the next level of education.

The GCSEs are also crucial for students who wish to pursue vocational courses or apprenticeships. Many vocational courses and internships require students to have achieved a certain level of GCSE qualifications in specific subjects.

Table of Contents

GCSEs in Different Countries

GCSEs are not used in Scotland, where the Scottish Qualifications Certificate is used instead. Private schools in Scotland may choose to use GCSEs from England. 

Similar qualifications are used in other countries, such as the IGCSE and the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O-Level).

Subjects Offered

GCSEs offer a wide range of subjects for students to choose from. These subjects can be divided into two categories: core subjects and optional subjects.

Core Subjects

Every student must take the following core subjects:

• English language
• English literature
• Mathematics
• Science (either combined science or separate sciences in biology, chemistry, and physics)

In addition, students in Wales must study Welsh until they are 14.

Optional Subjects

Besides the main courses, students have a range of elective subjects to pick from. There are two categories of GCSE subjects. The first includes the mandatory subjects required in secondary school. The second consists of elective subjects that students can opt to study.

Optional subjects include:

• Humanities: history, geography, religious studies, economics, citizenship, psychology, sociology
• Arts: art and design, music, drama, dance, media studies, film studies
• Technical subjects: design and technology, food and nutrition, product design, textiles, electronics, engineering
• Modern foreign languages: French, German, Spanish, and other languages
• Business studies
• Physical education
• Computer science

Not all schools offer all the non-compulsory subjects, but students should be provided at least one subject from each of these broad groups: Arts, Design and Technology; Humanities; Modern Foreign Languages.

It is important to note that the subjects offered may vary depending on the school and the country. Students should consult their school’s and national curricula to determine available subjects. 

Additionally, students may choose to study for international GCSE qualifications, which may have different subject offerings.

GCSE Grading System

Understanding gcse grades.

GCSE grades are used to assess students’ performance in their GCSE exams. The grading system for GCSEs has changed recently, and it now uses a numerical scale from 1 to 9. 

The new grading system was introduced to make it easier for employers and universities to compare grades across subjects. The grading system indicates the level of knowledge and understanding a student has achieved in a particular subject.

🌟 Hey Students! 🚀 Ready for the ultimate experience? Join us on Studentsinside.com's Facebook , YouTube , WhatsApp , and LinkedIn . Click now for tips, fun, and success vibes! 🌈✨ #StudentLife #JoinUs

The new grading system has replaced the old alphabetical grading system, where grades ranged from A* to G. The new grading system is designed to provide a clearer indication of a student’s performance in their GCSE exams. The new grades are as follows:

In simpler terms, getting a grade of 4 is like a bare pass. If you get a grade of 5 or higher, it’s an even better pass. The new way of grading is more challenging, and the best grade you can get is a 9.

GCSE Grade Boundaries

GCSE grade boundaries determine the minimum number of marks required to achieve a particular grade. Exam boards set the grade boundaries and vary from subject to subject. 

The grade boundaries are designed to ensure that the same standard is applied to all students, regardless of the difficulty of the exam.

The grade boundaries for each subject are published after the exam results have been released. The grade boundaries are determined by a panel of experts who review the exam papers and decide on the minimum number of marks required for each grade.

Remember that grade boundaries can change yearly based on the exam’s difficulty. So, it’s not possible to forecast future grade boundaries accurately.

Studying for GCSEs

GCSEs are an essential milestone in the UK’s education system, and students typically begin studying for them in Year 10 or 11. Here are some tips on how to approach GCSE coursework and revision.

GCSE Coursework

GCSE coursework is an essential step in getting qualified. It helps students enhance their understanding and skills in a specific topic and improves their overall grades. Coursework can range from writing essays and reports to hands-on projects and experiments.

It’s crucial to stay organized when tackling coursework. Ensure you understand each assignment’s requirements and deadlines and break down the work into manageable chunks. Use a planner or calendar to keep track of your progress, and feel free to ask your teacher for help if you’re struggling.

GCSE Revision Tips

Revision is a crucial part of preparing for GCSE exams. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your study time:

• Start early: Wait to leave revision until the last minute. Begin reviewing your notes and coursework well in advance of the exams.
• Use various study techniques: Everyone learns differently, so experiment with different revision techniques to find what works best for you. Some popular methods include flashcards, mind maps, and practice exams.
• Focus on weaker areas: Identify the topics and skills you find most challenging and prioritize these in your revision.
• Take breaks: Regular breaks are crucial to prevent feeling overwhelmed and maintain concentration. Try to pause every hour, stretch, breathe fresh air, or engage in a fun activity.
• Get plenty of rest: Make sure you’re getting enough sleep in the lead-up to the exams. Being well-rested will help you to concentrate and retain information.

Post-GCSE Options

After completing their GCSEs, students have several options available to them. Here are some of the most common options:

A-levels are a popular choice for university students seeking further education. A-levels are academic qualifications that universities and employers highly value. Students typically study three or four A-Levels over two years in a sixth-form or college setting.

Vocational Courses

Vocational courses are an alternative to A-Levels that offer practical, hands-on training in a specific trade or profession. These courses are designed to prepare students for a particular career and are often provided at further education colleges. Vocational courses such as BTECs, NVQs, or City & Guilds certificates can lead to qualifications.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a training program that blends hands-on work with classroom study. It’s offered in many fields and can result in certifications like NVQs or BTECs. Apprenticeships are an excellent option for students who want to gain practical experience while earning a wage.

When considering post-GCSE options, it’s crucial to think about your future goals and aspirations. Whether you pursue A-Levels, vocational courses, or an apprenticeship, each option will provide valuable skills and experiences to help you succeed in your chosen career path.

Additional Information

GCSEs are a set of exams taken by students in the United Kingdom. They are usually taken by students aged 15-16 after two years of study. GCSEs were introduced in 1986 to replace the original O-Levels and CSEs. 

They are an essential milestone in the UK’s education system and are required for many jobs and further education courses.

There are a few additional pieces of information that are worth noting about GCSEs:

Grading System : GCSEs are now evaluated using a scale that ranges from 9 to 1, where 9 is the top grade achievable. This grading method was established in 2017 as a replacement for the previous A* to G grading system. The updated system is structured to present more of a challenge and aims to distinguish more effectively between students with varying ability levels.

Subjects : At the GCSE level, students have the opportunity to study a variety of subjects such as English, science, maths, history, geography, modern foreign languages, and art and design, among others. Depending on the school and the students’ choices, they learn between 8 and 12 subjects.

Irish Students : In Ireland, students do not take GCSEs. Instead, they take the Junior Certificate and the Leaving Certificate exams. These exams are similar to GCSEs in some ways but have some critical differences.

Support : Students struggling with GCSEs can get help from their teachers, school, and other organizations. Many online resources include revision guides, practice papers, and study tips.

Further Education : GCSEs are essential for students wanting to further their education. Many colleges and universities require students to have a certain number of GCSEs at a specific grade to be accepted onto a course.

References : Employers and universities often ask for references from students who have completed their GCSEs. These references can be provided by teachers, tutors, or other adults who know the student well.

Mohammed Debon is an SEO Expert, Webmaster, and a proud parent of three. Mohammed created this website to help fellow parents find comprehensive information about various educational programs and make well-informed decisions for their children's future. With expertise in the digital landscape, Mohammed aims to streamline the process of selecting the right education system and provide valuable resources for parents worldwide.

Similar Posts

Is Chemistry GCSE Hard? A Clear Answer with Expert Insight

Chemistry is a subject that has always been considered difficult by many students. It is often perceived as a complex and challenging subject, requiring a lot of effort and dedication to master. As such, many students ask the question, “Is chemistry GCSE hard?” The answer to this question is complex. While some students may find chemistry…

Is Economics GCSE Hard? A Clear Answer

Economics is a subject that is often seen as challenging due to its complex concepts and theories. Many students wonder if Economics GCSE is hard and what they can expect. This article will explore the difficulty level of Economics GCSE and provide insights into what students can expect from the course. GCSE Economics covers various…

Is History GCSE Hard? A Clear Answer with Expert Insight

Studying GCSE History can be challenging as it demands students to build diverse skills like critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation. The difficulty arises for many students because of the extensive content and intricate topics they must grasp. However, whether or not history GCSE is hard depends on various factors, including the student’s prior knowledge, study…

Is Computer Science GCSE Hard? Here’s What You Need to Know

Computer Science GCSE is a popular subject studied by many students worldwide. However, there is a common question that many students ask themselves before taking this subject: is Computer Science GCSE hard?  The answer to this question is not straightforward, as the difficulty level of this subject varies depending on the individual student’s skills and…

Is Art GCSE Hard? A Clear and Neutral Answer

GCSE Art is a popular subject in the UK, but many students wonder if it is hard. The question of whether art GCSE is hard or not is a common one, and the answer is not straightforward. Some students find it challenging, while others enjoy it and find it easy. One of the reasons why…

What Is Gcse Equivalent in USA? Understanding the Differences

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is an academic qualification awarded in a specific subject, typically taken by students in the United Kingdom (U.K.) at the age of 15 or 16.  The GCSE is a crucial milestone in the U.K. education system, as it is often used as a benchmark for entry into further…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Meet our team
• Work for us
• Terms of Use
• Confidentiality at The Mix
• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Commenting Policy
• Community Guidelines
• Hide your Visit
• Our Fundraising Practices
• Annual Report 2020
• EDIB: The Mix’s statement
• EDIB: The Mix’s plan of action

• Sex & Relationships
• Mental Health
• Drink & Drugs
• Work & Study
• Crime & Safety
• Travel & Lifestyle
• Discussion Boards
• Support Groups
• Speak to Our Team
• Urgent help
• Stressheads
• Is my relationship healthy?
• Volunteering
• Our Supporters
• Case Studies
• The Mix Newsletter
• Heads Together

GCSEs: Everything you need to know

GCSE, meaning General Certificate of Secondary Education, is the first qualification milestone in the UK’s education system other than in Scotland, where the equivalent is the National 5 (N5). The Mix explains how GCSEs work, what subjects you can study at GCSE and what you can do afterwards.

What is a GCSE?

Before we start it’s important to remember that this is a key stage of your education and you should defo take them seriously. Okay, done with the lecture. Now onto the facts.

Whilst British law states that teenagers are not legally required to sit GCSEs ( see the Education Act 1996 ) – especially for those students who are being home-educated or independently schooled instead – nearly all state-funded schools require their students to study GCSEs or Functional Skills. Also keep in mind that a good range of GCSE passes will usually be required for entry into sixth form and often for vocational college entry too.

How do GCSEs work?

GCSE qualifications are usually taken in Years 10 and 11, when you are aged between 14 and 16. The basic idea is that you’ll study up to 10 subjects over two years. They used to be graded based on coursework, regular assessment and final exams. However recent changes mean that most of the courses are graded solely based on your GCSE exams.

Generally speaking, GCSEs are studied full-time at school or college, taking five terms to complete, with exams in the summer term. We should also flag that the exams you do get will be specific to the examination boards your school has chosen e.g. AQA or Edexcel so make sure you have a good idea of which one you’re doing.

How will changes to GCSEs affect me?

Now that you’ve figured out that answer to ‘how do GCSEs work?’ you should probably get clued up on what changes have been happening. 

The format and structure of GCSEs has been changing pretty significantly over the last few years. By and large these switches in the system have been focussed on moving assessment away from coursework and more onto the final exam. As part of this shift, the grading system in England has gone from alphabetical (A* to F) to numerical (1-9).

The government has said the aim of these changes is to make GCSEs more challenging. Unfortunately they haven’t had a lot of time to be tested with the pandemic forcing exams to be cancelled. This means that we can’t really say how the latest changes will affect you, especially since you’re unlikely to have anything to compare them to.

The GCSE grading systems

There have been some updates to the grades given in GCSEs, meaning you probably need a refresher. Now GCSE grades are 1-9, where 9 is the highest grade, 4 is a standard pass and 5 is a strong pass.

International GCSEs

More state schools are now offering the International GCSE (IGCSE), previously only available in independent schools. For reference, IGCSEs have been compared with old-style O-Levels and are supposed to be tougher than standard GCSEs.

What subjects can I study at GCSE?

Technically speaking you can choose from over 45 subjects. But in reality some of these are compulsory and the choices you have will depend on your school. So we’ll break it down for you. 

The compulsory core subjects are English, maths and science. In Wales, you’re also required to study Welsh as part of the national curriculum . Some choices you have include, but are not limited to , history, psychology, geography, art, drama, music, design, business studies, media studies, law, technology, economics and sociology.

What are GCSE courses like?

The majority last two years with the dreaded exams in the final summer term and exam results released in August. It’s worth noting that some other courses, such as art, music and drama, have practical assessments throughout the course on top of a final exam.

What grades can I get at GCSE?

This depends on the tier that you do. In some subjects, such as history, RE, music, art and design, everybody studying the subject sits the same exam paper and, therefore, has the potential to get the same grades. However, in subjects like English and science you have a choice of two different tiers – foundation and higher ; t he foundation tier assesses grades 1-5 and the higher tier assesses grades 4-9.

What if I want to do GCSEs that will help me get a job?

All GCSEs will benefit you since employers value them highly. Having said that, there are GCSEs in vocational subjects that relate directly to employment in particular areas, such as engineering and IT. These are practical courses which can be mixed with other GCSEs and are focused on coursework. As it stands, there are currently five GCSEs in vocational subjects: business, ICT, computer science, engineering and electronics. Unfortunately, not all schools offer them all, so it’s best to check with your school to find out more.

Can you get a job without GCSEs?

Okay, we’re not going to lie to you. It’s not impossible to get a job without them buttt… GCSEs are seen as the most basic level of education and many employers will ask you about them. Plus, research shows that having GCSEs gives you a leg up in getting a job after school , and can potentially increase your wages by up to £2,000 a year . Not to mention that if you want to go on to college and university GCSEs and A-level grades will usually be required for entry.

If you haven’t yet completed your GCSEs and are strapped for cash , there are jobs out there you can do. You can find more info on jobs for under 16s in this article .

Where will GCSEs take me?

Honestly, they’ll open a world of opportunities for you, and that’s no hyperbole (learned that one in GCSE English). You see, this academic qualification is highly valued by schools, colleges and employers, so they’ll be useful no matter what you’re planning to do when you finish your course. For example, A-levels , Diplomas or university . And if none of that tickles your fancy, you can always use your GCSEs to gain employment.

• Chat about this subject on our Discussion Boards .

By Nishika Melwani

Updated on 18-Mar-2022

Apprenticeships

Have I plagiarised in my coursework?

Post-GCSE qualifications

What qualifications are there after your GCSEs?

Training on the job in Scotland? You can get a SVQ.

No featured article

Define me app

Pitch ‘brand you’

Pro rata pay

Find out what it means and how much you'll get paid.

How to find a job

It's a tough job market out there, especially for young peop...

Volunteering at Christmas

Volunteer this Christmas and you're guaranteed warm gooey fe...

Working a second job

Got more than one job? Here's what you need to know.

• Your Voices

How My Disability Made Me Love Myself

I was born with a congenital neuromuscular disorder. ...

I love me because

I'm kind, caring and a good friend

A Different Perspective

My group of friends are all male. All hilarious. All ...

Let's Talk About Men!

A man is the breadwinner of the family. A man is ...

Is the Internet "bad"?

These days, the media loves to report on negativity, ...

Welcome to The Mix, offering essential support for under 25s.

Log in to submit your own content on our platform Your Voices.

If you do not have an account with us you can sign up here.

I don't have a login

Forgotten password?

Welcome to The Mix, the online guide to life for young people in the UK.

Your Voices is a community-focused section of The Mix where you can share stories about your experiences on a specific issue. Upload your own videos, images, blog posts, and playlists to Your Voices and share them with your friends.

Don't have a Your Voices account? Sign up here to submit your own content.

Already have log in, log in here.

I already have a login

Become an affiliate partner and earn attractive commission.

What are GCSEs? Everything you need to know

Lead Academy

What are GCSEs? It’s probably the most commonly typed question on the internet search bar these days. As GCSEs are gradually getting popular, students, parents and professionals from all fields are becoming curious to know more about this particular qualification.

So, to help you with all your queries related to GCSEs, we have come up with this blog. Learn about GCSE courses, GCSE grading system and other relevant details from this blog.

Table of Content

What are GCSEs?

When was gcse introduced, what year do you do gcses, what are the compulsory gcse subjects, what are the optional gcse subjects, gcse grading system:, old vs new grading system:, how many gcse subjects can a student take, how long does it take to complete gcses, can you do gcses online, are gcses important, what level are gcses, what are gcses in scotland, what are gcses in america, what month are gcses taken 2023, what are the best gcses to take, what are the hardest gcses, conclusion:, what to read next:.

In the UK, a student’s education is divided into four Key Stages. The last of these stages is the Key Stage 4 (KS4) which comprises students between the years 10 and 11.

The qualifications that most students prefer during the Key Stage 4 are called GCSEs. The acronym ‘GCSE’ stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education.

GCSEs are studied over a two-year period of time and are assessed by written exams at the end of two years of study. However, some courses also require a small amount of coursework.

GCSE was first introduced in September 1986. This qualification replaced the original O-Levels and CSEs, which were the qualifications studied before 1986.

Are you looking for GCSEs online courses?

GCSEs are usually taken by the students in the year 10 and 11 and between the ages of 14 and 16. The first year and a half of GCSEs are usually spent learning the content while most of the assessments and examinations take place at the end of year 11.

GCSE candidates are allowed to choose the subjects, however; there are some compulsory subjects that they need to study at Key Stage 4. They are-

• English (English Language and English Literature)
• Mathematics
• Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
• Social Studies
• Physical Education (PE)

There are usually no assessments in Social Studies or Physical Education. These subjects are recreational and have been designed to keep students updated about the modern world.

The GCSE options for subjects are many from where students can study according to their preferences. They are-

• The Arts: Art, Dance, Music, Photography, Media Studies, Theatre Studies, etc.
• Business: Business Studies, Finance, Economics etc.
• Design and Technology: Engineering, Graphic Design, Product Design, Textiles etc.
• The Humanities: History, Philosophy, Geography, Politics, etc.
• Modern Foreign Languages: French, German, Spanish, etc.
• Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, Sports Studies, etc.

Initially, GCSE courses were graded in letters as opposed to the numerical grading system used now. A, B, C, D, E, F and G were the pass grades, and the letter U was given for an ‘unclassified’ grade.

A-C grades in the letter grading system were known as the standard pass. Later on, the A* grade was added as the highest level of GCSE grades to show that a student has performed exceptionally well in a particular subject.

As a part of the 2014 curriculum, the numerical grading scheme was introduced by Education Secretary Michael Gove. It was introduced to put less emphasis on GCSE coursework than before, with grades in almost all subjects decided in final exams.

According to BBC , “The qualifications were designed to be more challenging, with exams taken after two years of study. Previously pupils covered the syllabus through a series of modules with regular assessments throughout the course.”

However, the number scale is not directly equivalent to the old letter one. The two scales do meet in certain places:

• the bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of grade A
• the bottom of grade 4 is aligned with the bottom of grade C
• the bottom of grade 1 is aligned with the bottom of grade G
• three number grades 9, 8 and 7 correspond to the two previous top grades of A* and A

A student must take at least five subjects at GCSE. Usually, the school helps students to determine how many subjects they should choose, which could be as many as twelve. The choice of taking more than the usual number of GCSE subjects depends on the student’s academic capacity and the school’s resources to assist them.

The length of GCSE courses depends on the setting you’re studying them. In a traditional school setting, if you take a number of these at once, they will take 2-3 years to complete depending on the school and subjects studied. Again, if you take adult GCSE courses and study them part or full-time in a college setting, the time to finish will depend on the individual college programme. However, full-time students can complete standard GCSEs over two years or GCSE short courses in just one year. If you are doing it online, it might take as less as six months to complete GCSEs.

Top Courses of this Category

GCSE Biology Online Course

GCSE Chemistry Course

GCSE Maths Online Course

GCSE English Language Course

The quickest way to be done with your GCSEs is doing it online. With online GCSE courses, the materials for the entire course become accessible online so that you can study at your own pace. The best part is, you can move to the next module once you are ready; you do not have to rush to keep pace with your classmates.

Are you looking for online GCSE courses ? Lead Academy offers Pearson Edexcel and AQA-accredited GCSE online courses that are widely accepted by universities across the globe. In addition to our GCSE Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and English courses, we also help you in booking your GCSE exam!

Your GCSEs can have a significant impact on your future studies. In the UK, GCSEs are considered as the first major academic qualification of your academic journey.

Your final GCSE scores will decide which A levels you can study and where. Some universities also look at your GCSE marks as a part of their admission process, while some employers may also ask for your GCSE completion certificate during recruitment.

So, you must take your GCSEs seriously to secure the best grades and pursue your future endeavors.

GCSEs are academic qualifications that is a part of the National Curriculum of England, Wales or Northern Ireland. ‘GCSE’ stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education and is taken by students aged 14-16 at the end of year 10 and 11.

GCSEs are classified as a level 2 qualification taken during secondary school.

In Scotland, instead of GCSEs, students take National 5s, which are fairly similar to GCSEs.

In the USA, the General Educational Development test is equivalent to the GCSE in the UK.

GCSEs are expected to start on 15th May 2023 with the final exam due to take place on 27 June 2023.

Apart from the core subjects, the most popular GCSE options are Art, History, Geography, Design and Technology, French and other modern languages.

According to the latest official UK government data, based on 2021/22 Key Stage 4 performance, Film Studies, Engineering, Food Preparation and Nutrition, English Language and Literature have been recognised as the hardest GCSE subjects.

No wonder GCSEs are an important part of your secondary school and plays a crucial role while planning your future. If you read the blog, you have come through everything you needed to know about GCSEs including the duration of its completion and also the new GCSE scoring system. Hopefully, there’s no more confusion about GCSEs!

• AQA GCSE Grade Boundaries for All Subjects (2019 to 2024)
• What GCSE do you need to be a Lawyer? Law Degree Tips Included
• GCSE Physics Grade Boundaries For All Boards – PDF Download
• When is GCSE Results Day 2023? GCSE Exam Results Publish Date to Note
• GCSE Chemistry Grade Boundaries 2019 to 2024 – All PDFs
• GCSE English Grade Boundaries 2019 to 2024 – Language & Literature All Boards

Categories:

Like This Article?

Share it on social.

What are GCSEs? And Other Commonly Asked Questions

Last updated: 3rd september 2024.

Rhys Mackenzie

An introduction to gcses.

First, let’s learn about what GCSEs are and why they are an important part of your academic journey as a student in secondary school in England.

What are GCSEs?

In England, a student’s education is divided into four Key Stages between ages five and sixteen. The last of these is Key Stage 4 (often abbreviated to KS4) is taught to students between years 10 and 11 at school, typically when students are between the ages of 14 and sixteen years old.

The qualifications most students in England work towards during Key Stage 4 are called GCSEs, which are studied over a two-year period. They are assessed predominantly by written exams, which are taken at the end of your two years of study (typically in the summer term of year 11). However, some courses may also incorporate a small amount of coursework.

What does GCSE stand for?

The acronym ‘GCSE’ stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education.

When did GCSEs start?

GCSEs were first introduced to schools in 1986.

They were brought into the British Curriculum to replace the original O-Levels (short for Ordinary Levels) and CSEs (Certificates of Secondary Education), which were the qualifications studied pre-1986.

What year do you do GCSEs?

In England, GCSEs are usually taken in years 10 and 11 of secondary school. The first year and a half are usually spent learning the content, with most assessments and examinations taking place in the spring and summer term of year 11.

Most students will be between the ages of 14 and 16 when they study for their GCSE qualifications, with heavy revision for GCSEs starting in the first term of year 11.

Are GCSEs important?

In terms of your future studies, GCSEs are pretty important and can have a significant impact on what you do after year 11.

In England, they’re recognised as the first major academic qualification of your academic journey, with final exam grades impacting which A-Levels you’ll study and where. Some universities may even look at your GCSE grades as part of the admissions process, while some employers may also ask for copies of your certificates during recruitment.

Therefore, you want to work hard during your GCSEs to secure the best grades possible and help you in your future pursuits.

Selecting your GCSEs

In England, most students will choose their GCSE subjects in year nine, in preparation for them to be studied over the following two school years.

In advance of that all-important decision-making process, we’ve provided some guidance below on selecting your GCSE options: how many you need to choose, what the compulsory subjects are, and what other elective subjects you might want to select to help you best prepare for your future career.

How many GCSEs do you need to take?

The minimum number of subjects you are asked to take at GCSE is five, with most students choosing between nine and ten different subjects. You can choose to take more than the average amount, though this is down to you, your preferences and your academic ability.

Usually, your school will be able to help you determine how many subjects you should choose, which could be as many as twelve. This decision will be based on your academic ability, as well as the resources available at the school to support students who wish to take more than the average number of GCSE subjects.

This number includes three compulsory subjects (which we’ll touch on later): English, Mathematics, and the Sciences, as well as a number of other subjects that you have the option of selecting.

Should I take more than the average number of GCSEs?

It’s worth noting that the more GCSEs you choose to study are not directly related to gaining a better place at a sixth-form college or at university in the future. Studying an average of nine or ten subjects is a lot of work in itself and sixth-form colleges will prefer you to have succeeded in your core GCSE subjects than trying to study lots of different subjects and achieving a lower grade.

Outside of school, students are recommended to spend an additional hour per week studying for their GCSE subjects. If your typical school day is five hours, and you are studying for ten GCSE subjects, then this is the equivalent of 35 hours of academic work a week at a minimum, which will only intensify in the run-up to exam season.

You don’t want to overwhelm yourself with a heavy workload for your GCSEs by adding on additional subject content to learn about, especially if you are keen to keep up hobbies, sports, and other recreational or social activities - which you should do to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Besides, as mentioned above, for sixth-form colleges and universities, it’s much better to have achieved good grades across fewer subjects than to underachieve in lots of different subjects. This is especially true for your core English, Maths and Science subjects - most sixth-form colleges, universities and even jobs will ask you to have achieved at least five A*- Cs in your GCSEs, with these three normally listed as a must-have.

What are the GCSE grades?

In 2015, National Curriculum changes came into force in schools in England, reforming GCSEs so that they were more ‘demanding’ and ‘rigorous’ for students.

As part of the changes, the GCSE grading system was overhauled. Instead of grading students on the old A to E scale, GCSEs are now graded on a numerical scale from 9 to 1. The highest grade a student can attain is a 9, while 1 is the lowest - not including a U (ungraded).

The old GCSE grading system compared against the new GCSE grading system

For those of you familiar with the old A-E grading system, we’ve placed a comparison of the previous GCSE grading structure against the new marking system below for you to familiarise yourself with the format.

• A* = Grade 8/Grade 9
• A = Grade 7/Grade 8
• B = Grade 5/Grade 6
• C = Grade 4/Grade 5
• D = Grade 3/Grade 4
• E = Grade 2/Grade 3
• F = Grade 1/Grade 2
• G = Grade 1
• U = Ungraded

Pearson Education explains the new format, sharing that grade boundaries are set arithmetically, hence why there are no ‘hard’ boundaries between the different grades. “For example, the boundaries at grades 5 and 6 will be set based on the difference in marks between grades 4 and 7; grade 5 will be set at one-third of the difference in marks, and grade 6 at two-thirds the difference in marks.”

What is a pass in GCSE?

Against the old grading system, a grade ‘C’ was considered a pass at GCSE.

Now, students need to achieve a 4 for a ‘standard pass’ and a 5 for a ‘strong pass.’ This means that any candidate who achieves nine grade-4s has passed all their exams. However, many sixth forms and colleges are insisting on a minimum of 5s and 6s as a condition of entry.

What GCSE options are there?

Compulsory gcse subjects.

For the majority of students, your GCSEs are probably the first time during school that you’ll have some freedom in being able to choose the subjects that you want to learn more about.

However, before you start playing around with your different options, there are some compulsory subjects that you will need to study at Key Stage 4 that you should be aware of. These are:

• English: Usually taught as two separate subjects: English Language and English Literature
• Mathematics
• Sciences: Usually divided into three subjects - Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• Social Studies
• Physical Education (PE)
• Please note: There are usually no assessments in Social Studies or Physical Education. These are recreational subjects designed to keep students healthy and learn more about the modern world around them.

Optional GCSE subjects

In England, there are hundreds of GCSE subjects available to students at GCSE, mainly provided by the three main examination boards: AQA , Pearson Edexcel , and OCR .

From these exam boards, your school will then select a variety of subjects across a range of disciplines, giving you a wide range of courses available to study at school, usually spread across the following subject groups:

• The Arts: Art, Dance, Media Studies, Music, Photography, Theatre Studies, etc.
• Business: Business Studies, Economics, Finance, etc.
• Design and Technology: Engineering, Food Technology, Graphic Design, Product Design, Textiles, Woodwork, etc.
• The Humanities: History, Geography, Philosophy, Politics, etc.
• Modern Foreign Languages: French, German, Spanish, etc.
• Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, Sports Studies, etc.

As you can see, there are a wide range of options that you can choose from, meaning you can finally have control over selecting subjects that you enjoy learning more about.

There are only two things that can now be problematic in your decision-making:

• Trying to decide which out of the hundreds of subjects you want to pursue
• Ensuring the subjects you're interested in are offered by your school

It's important to think about what you may want to study ahead of time, so you can see if your school offers that subject. For example, it’s no good to get your heart set on pursuing a career as a ballerina if your school doesn’t have the resources to offer GCSE Dance as a subject.

Also, you want to start thinking about your options as early as possible to ensure you’re not rushed in your decision-making and choose something under the pressure of time. Your GCSEs are very important and you want to make sure you’re making a decision that’s right for you.

A Guide to Choosing your GCSE Subjects

Deciding which GCSE subjects to pursue can be a difficult decision, especially if you don’t have a comprehensive idea of what career path you think you may want to pursue in the future.

There are two main options for students choosing their GCSE subjects, based on their current feelings about their future career ambitions.

• You know what job you want in the future

For students who know what type of job path they want to pursue in the future, they’ll have a better understanding of the types of subjects they will want to choose to study for GCSE.

If you have a specific job role, degree or even field of interest in mind, you can start narrowing your focus at GCSE and select subjects that are related to that career and therefore help you in the future.

Spend some time conducting research online, speaking to friends/family, and even your school’s career centre to get a better understanding of what types of subjects are needed to help you achieve your dream career in the future. E.g. If you want to pursue a career in Marketing, you may want to try selecting Business-related subjects, as well as some creative design ones, such as Media Studies or Graphic Design - helping you gain the skills needed for a modern marketing degree.

However, just be careful not to narrow your options too far at this point. Yes, it’s good to a focus towards your future ambition, but you want to make sure you leave room for some other less-specific jobs in case your plans change in the future.

When you choose your GCSE subjects, you’ll probably only be fourteen years old. This is a very early age to know exactly what you want to do in the future. You’ll most likely have over forty years of work ahead of you, and your career could change several times during your lifetime. So, don’t make your future self have to re-train or catch up on a knowledge gap because you narrowed your options down too far at GCSE.

• You have no idea what job you want in the future

Have no idea what job you may want in the future? You’re not alone. Thousands of students in England face the same dilemma every year: “How can I choose my GCSEs when I have absolutely no clue what I want to do in the future?”

When it comes to choosing your GCSEs, fear not. Sixth form colleges and universities appreciate that you’ll be choosing your subjects very early on in your academic journey, and will understand that many students haven’t yet got an idea of what type of career they envision for the future.

Therefore, we recommend that you select a general selection of different subjects across different fields of interest, giving you the opportunity to grow in different areas, spend time getting to know different subjects better as you focus on them at GCSE and find out where your interests lie.

Of course, you probably want to choose your subjects from those that you perform best in right now - just to give you that additional boost of confidence that you’ll be able to do well in them at Key Stage 4. Your teachers will be able to help guide you in the right direction here.

But by keeping your selection generalised, you in turn keep your options ‘open,’ giving you a few more years to explore your future opportunities and start to focus on the areas that interest you the most.

For a deeper dive into tips and guidance on how to select the GCSE subjects that will best benefit your skillset and ambitions for the future, take a look at our article: A Guide to Choosing your GCSE Subjects .

If you’re a student in England, when you start secondary school you’ll hear lots of teachers start talking about “GCSEs.” GCSEs are an important part of your time at secondary school; they’re the first set of certificated qualifications you work towards in years 10 and 11.

As the first major stepping stone in your academic career, the subjects and grades you obtain at GCSE can play an important role in your future decision-making, with sixth-form colleges, universities, and even some employers looking at your GCSE qualifications as part of their admissions process.

Choose subjects that will gear you towards your dream opportunities, that you think you’ll obtain good grades in, and, most importantly, that you’ll enjoy. GCSEs require a lot of time and effort put into them, and you want to make sure that the subjects you choose are ones you find interesting and want to spend much more time learning about.

Get a head-start on your GCSEs with a summer school

Deciding on what subjects you want to pursue at GCSE? Maybe you’ve just selected your options and want to gain a competitive edge when you return to the classroom in September?

Join us for an academic summer school here in Oxford or Cambridge for a chance to explore a potential subject option, build your subject knowledge and learn from an expert tutor.

Our summer courses start at 2 weeks in length: the perfect amount of time to acquaint yourself with a new subject and decide if it’s something you want to pursue in the future.

Even if it’s something you decide isn’t right for you, you’ll still have a great time exploring your student city, meeting and working with other students like you from all over the world, and enjoying a bustling timetable of extracurricular activities. It’s an enriching summer learning experience, delivered by an award-winning course provider.

Ready to Join Oxford Summer Courses?

After submitting your application, we'll be in touch very soon to inform you of the outcome. Apply now to begin your journey with Oxford Summer Courses!

About the author

Rhys mackenzie is the website marketing manager at oxford summer courses. with extensive experience in seo and digital content management, they are passionate about showcasing the best that oxford has to offer. their previous role at experience oxfordshire gave them a deep appreciation for the city's unique cultural and academic offerings. learn more about rhys here ., share this article.

GCSEs are crucial qualifications for students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Taken between ages 14 and 16, they lay the foundation for further education and future careers. This blog post provides information on what GCSEs are, how they're graded, and selecting subjects.

Get Our Newsletter

Oxford Summer Courses LTD

18 Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2NA, United Kingdom

+44 01865 818403

Juniors 9-12

Oxford 13-15

Oxford 16-17

Oxford 18-24

Cambridge 13-15

Cambridge 16-17

Advanced Cambridge 18-24

Back-To-Back Courses

Four Week Enhanced Programme

Group Bookings

GDPR Notice

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Oxford Summer Courses is an organisation which contracts with the colleges of the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and London for the use of facilities, but which has no formal connection with the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and London.

Oxford summer courses © 2024, oxford summer courses is a company registered in england and wales with company number 08011543.

Introduction to GCSEs

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is the most commonly-sat exam in the UK. All students sit GCSE papers in a variety of subjects at the age of 16, with exams traditionally held in the summer of Year 11. Results are normally published on the last Thursday of the following August, making for an anxious wait over the summer! Afterwards, students can continue their studies or enter an apprenticeship. With university applications getting ever more competitive, GCSE results are now often used to help decide between candidates.

Meet our GCSE Teacher-Tutors

ABC? As easy as 1,2,3

GCSEs underwent their biggest overhaul a few years ago, with the classic letter grades: A-G being replaced by numbers: 9-1. This can seem a little confusing at first, and it certainly was for the poor students who sat them for the first time. Whereas a 'C' grade used to be considered the pass benchmark, it is now considered a pass if a student achieves a '5'. Confusingly, in the first few years, a '4' was also considered a pass, but less of a good one. Therefore, a '5' or above is now considered a pass.

It's also worth bearing in mind that if your child intends to continue their studies, particularly at A level, each subject will likely require a higher benchmark for certain grades. For example, if your child wishes to study mathematics there will likely be a requirement they achieve at least a grade 7.

How does assessment work at GCSE?

All students sit papers in the “core” subjects of Mathematics and English, and then go on to sit exams in somewhere between 8 and 12 subjects. Besides the aforementioned core subjects and Science, no other courses are compulsory. Some subjects count for two or more GCSEs, most usually Science (Double or Triple Science). Some schools also offer GCSE equivalent qualifications, most usually BTECs. Although traditionally exclusively vocational qualifications, BTECs have recently been updated to include exams. While one BTEC is often worth multiple GCSEs, they are more coursework orientated and less academically demanding.

The length of each GCSE exam varies between subjects and exam boards but most take place during the same time-frame. This is usually the 4 weeks during the middle of the Summer Term of Year 11. It can often be quite an intense and stressful period for students, so it's well worth developing a revision plan ahead of the exam season.

Familiarisation with the exam papers can often be a huge help and allow students to get to grips with the examiner's expectations. If you know the exam board and subject you will be able to download past papers, mark schemes and crucially, examiner's reports from the exam board's website. Often overlooked, the examiner's report provides a detailed explanation of the types of answers that gain top masks. They also usually outline common errors - always a good thing to know!

The Exam Boards

The UK is somewhat unique in that multiple exam boards provide competing examinations for the same subjects. It is up to schools to decide which one to go for. It is really important to find out from your child's school which exam board they are following for each subject, as this will make preparation much easier.

To ensure consistency, each exam board must gain approval from The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). The key differences between each exam board will be mainly on the assessment method (long v short answers etc) as well as areas of focus.

The five exam boards at GCSE in the UK are AQA, CCEA, Pearson (Edexcel), OCR and WJEC/EDUQAS. Originially there were many more exam boards, all affiliated with UK Universities. They merged together into these five over the last fifty years. Schools will normally use some or all of these across different subjects, selecting the boards offering the syllabuses that best suit their needs.

How can I help my child with their GCSEs?

With such a broad range of subjects, it is entirely possible that students may need extra help to get them through. Here at Owl Tutors we only employ qualified teachers. All of our tutors have classroom experience in the subjects they tutor, and have been personally interviewed and vetted by us. A great number of our tutors have taught GCSEs in schools for a number of years, and will be very familiar with things like different exam board requirements, questioning styles and how to do well in coursework. We know how important your child’s education is, and we think it should only be put in the hands of someone who really knows what they’re doing. Please feel free to browse some of our London Tutors or contact us today to find out more.

Looking for a GCSE tutor?

View our selection here! All our GCSE tutors are qualified teachers with relevant classroom experience.

An encouraging, multilingual and fully qualified English and English Literature teacher, GCSE IB examiner and EAL specialist She uses her years of classroom...

An encouraging, multilingual and fully qualified English and English Literature teacher, GCSE/IB examiner and EAL specialist. She uses her years of classroom and teaching experience to shape...

Shu - Please add this tutor to your enquiry and complete the enquiry form to determine availability. ">Contact us for availability

7 Plus, 8 Plus, 11 Plus, English & Maths

Shu is an experienced teacher who has enjoyed a satisfying career in education for over twenty years Her roles have included Primary Class...

Shu is an experienced teacher who has enjoyed a satisfying career in education for over twenty years. Her roles have included Primary Class Teacher, Maths, Assessment and Art Coordinator, and...

Contact Owl Tutors to join waiting list

11 Plus, 13 Plus, Other School Entrance & English

Nicola is a qualified and experienced practising English teacher, with extensive experience teaching English at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 in leading...

Nicola is a qualified and experienced practising English teacher, with extensive experience teaching English at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 in leading independent and grammar schools. She has a strong...

GCSE blog posts

Tips and advice from our expert GCSE tutors.

How do UK grades translate to GPA?

Understanding the differences between the US GPA system and grades in the UK can be challenging. Whether you are hoping to study in the US, moving from one country to the other, or just curious, our guide will help you understand how your grades compare.

Author Owl Tutors Read 6 minutes

5 reasons why you should use past papers in your revision

In this article, Micky, an experienced teacher and examiner examines five top reasons to incorporate past papers into your revision.

Author Micky Read 3 minutes

9 ways to get a 9 in GCSE Italian

In this article, experienced Italian teacher Elena presents her top tips to achieving a 9 in GCSE Italian.

Author Elena Read 6 minutes

+44 020 3457 8474 [email protected]

Owl Tutors Limited Company Number: 07679444 VAT Number 182078794 Unit 2A, The Plough Brewery 516 Wandsworth Road London SW8 3JX United Kingdom

2024 Copyright Owl Tutors | Terms & Conditions | UK | Privacy Policy

We store some data to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with this. You can learn more here

Understanding GCSEs: Your Complete Guide to GCSE 2024

• What is GCSE?

GCSE is part of the National Curriculum taught to pupils aged 14 to 16 in years 10 and 11. It also includes exams, the results of which have a significant bearing on a child’s future career.

GCSE - four letters that strike fear into the hearts of teenagers all over the country! But what exactly are GCSEs? Well, in a nutshell, GCSEs are the exams children have to take at the end of Key Stage 4.

Table of contents

What is Key Stage 4 (KS4)?

What does gcse stand for, which subjects are compulsory in gcses, how important are gcses, how long is a gcse course, which gcse subjects include coursework as part of the final grade, preparing for gcses.

Education is divided into 4 key stages. The last of these, Key Stage 4 (KS4), is taught to children in Years 10 and 11 at secondary school, when they are 14 to 16 years old. The courses studied in KS4 are GCSE and the all-important GCSE exams are held at the end of Year 11.

The initials GCSE stand for General Certificate of Secondary Education. It’s a replacement for the old O (Ordinary) Levels and CSEs (Certificate of Secondary Education) many of us had to take when we were children, long, long ago. GCSEs were first taught in 1986 and the first GCSE exams took place in 1988.

There is some freedom regarding which subjects are studied at GCSEs 2023. Three core subjects, English, Maths and Science, are compulsory along with citizenship and PE (although there are no exams in the latter two). All other subjects taken at GCSE are optional.

Optional subjects for KS4 vary between schools. Some subjects may be restricted and others (particular languages, like German for example) may not be offered at all.

How many GCSEs must children take?

Each school determines the number of GCSEs its pupils can take, which could be as many as 12 or as few as 7. Aside from the obligatory maths, science and English, pupils select their remaining GCSE options in Year 9. What they choose will have bearings on their future so encourage your child to pick subjects needed for any chosen career as well as ones that interest them and ones they are good at.

English, Maths and Science are subjects that children must take at GCSE level.

Not all GSCEs are assessed in the same way:

• art and design, for example, have more coursework and fewer exams
• some GCSE courses are made up of units where you take exams at the end of each unit
• other GCSEs involve exams at the end of course.

GCSEs are the most important exams students take before college or university. The results have a huge effect on pupils’ futures. Many college courses require a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above (C or more in the old grading system) and some demand five grade 6s (A or A*).

Some college courses only accept students with grade 6 or more (A or A*) in that subject for GCSE and universities often require a minimum of grade 4 (C or above) in English, Maths and at least one Science before they will accept you for any course.

How well students do in their GCSEs is the only real indication colleges have of potential students’ abilities. So, with further education and career in mind, GCSEs may well be the most important exams of all.

GCSE exams come after two-year courses of study during which pupils will be taught everything they need to know for their exams. And it’s not all necessarily about exams - in many subjects, students’ coursework is assessed as part of their GCSE results.

In practical subjects, like art, design and technology, or music, 60% of a student’s GCSE grade will be marked on their coursework. The English Literature result is also partly assessed with 40% of the final mark being based on work done in class or at home.

GCSEs are important exams and vital for those wishing to go into further education.

Setting goals is a great place to start, as this will set the tone for the next few months. Start by writing down the GCSE subjects you’re studying for and the grades you want to achieve. Underneath each subject, write out the list of topics you’ll need to understand as well as question formats, techniques and the marking criteria the examiner will be using in the grade band you’re aiming for. Doing this will mean you can plan out your study sessions effectively and keep track of the progress you’re making.

Building a revision timetable will add structure to your studying and allows you to organise your time in the way that best suits you and your schedule. As you will be mapping out study slots for each topic, if you identify a GCSE subject that you want to spend more time on, you can add these extra sessions in. 

It’s also important to create a realistic schedule and know there are limits to how much work can effectively be completed in a day. Balancing leisure and revision equally means you’ll be much more productive and motivated in the long run and be able to revise more effectively. 

Just plan your study time out depending on what works best for you - so if this is 5 out of 7 days a week, or 7 days a week but an hour per day, that’s okay- everyone will be slightly different!

There isn’t a one size fits all way to study as everyone works in different ways. Understanding your learning style and whether you’re a visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learner will make revision so much easier! 

Once you know the method of learning that suits you best, simply tailor each study session by choosing more effective revision techniques that will make remembering and recalling information much easier.

Taking regular study breaks is so important when it comes to GCSE revision. Studying for long periods of time can be counterproductive as the brain becomes tired and you can easily lose focus, meaning you’re not actually revising effectively. 

Instead aim for 30-45 minute sessions with short breaks in between and ideally no more than 4 hours of study per day. This way you’ll have much more productive bursts of revision rather than trying to stay alert covering multiple subjects for hours on end.

One of the best revision tips to help you prepare for your GCSE exams is to do as many practice papers as you can. They will help you become familiar with the exam format, question style and time restraints, so when it comes to the real thing you’ll already know what to expect. 

Completing old exam papers is also a good way to test your current knowledge and help you identify any areas you’re struggling with. Ask your teachers for a few years’ worth of papers and schedule one or two a week into your revision timetable.

If you’re finding revision too much to tackle on your own, then working in a study group is a great way to find support. Collaborate with your classmates and create an after-school study club or join a GCSE revision group online. 

Not only will it enrich your learning as you can explore the thoughts and ideas of others, it will also help you improve your communication and collaboration skills. You can quiz each other, share notes, discover new ways of memorising things and explain topics in new ways to each other that may be easier to remember. Sharing knowledge is powerful!

Mixing up your study habits is a great way to stay motivated, inspired and keep your brain alert and active while revising for your GCSEs. Try alternative methods such as listening to a podcast, watching videos or documentaries, working in a group, creating revision posters, moving to a new study area or using different coloured paper for each set of revision notes.

GCSEs, or General Certificate of Secondary Education, are standardized exams in the UK, usually taken at age 16.

GCSEs are graded from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest, replacing the old A*-G system.

GCSEs are vital as they influence future educational and career opportunities.

GCSEs encompass a wide range of subjects, including English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and more.

Effective preparation involves consistent study, using resources, and practicing with past papers.

After GCSEs, you can pursue further education, apprenticeships, or enter the workforce, depending on your goals.

Dear Parent, Before You Leave...

Subscribe to Newsletter

** Get 10% off coupon code on your first order, valid sitewide.

PiAcademy Partners

Follow us on

More than 20,000 registered members!

Exam papers.

© 2014 - 2024 PiAcademy Limited, All Rights Reserved

Which GCSEs Have Coursework?

In GCSE by Think Student Editor September 23, 2022 Leave a Comment

If you’re currently trying to decide which GCSEs you should take, it’s important to know whether the option you’re considering will involve coursework. Coursework is a useful way of showing your ability outside of taking written exams. Coursework can allow you to: take more responsibility for what you study, study a topic in more depth, and have more control over the pace at which you study.

To understand which subjects involve coursework and learn the percentage of coursework and exams in these subjects, keep reading this article.

Table of Contents

Do GCSEs still have coursework?

After new education plans were introduced in 2015, most GCSEs no longer include any coursework that count towards students’ final grades. Before this, there would be coursework tasks even in subjects such as maths and English.

In some subjects coursework was done through long written tasks, whereas in maths this was done through a handling data project and an applying mathematics task. In English Language, 40% of the end grade used to be from coursework. This was through assessment of speaking, listening and written assignments.

Despite the recent changes to the GCSE system, all creative and practical subjects do still have some level of coursework. This is because in certain subjects, like Art for example, coursework is necessary for students to demonstrate their talent at particular skills. The subjects that have coursework are Food Preparation & Nutrition, Drama, Art, Music, DT (Design Technology), and PE (Physical education).

What percentage of creative or practical GCSEs is coursework?

No GCSE is currently 100% coursework. There will always be some weighting placed on final exams. All of these final exams are written, apart from Art which is instead a creative project done under time pressure.

Also, it’s important to note that for the same subject, different exam boards may require different amounts of coursework. Make sure to find out which exam board your school uses for the particular subject you’re considering. If your school offers IGCSEs, have a read of this Think Student article to understand the difference between them and normal GCSEs.

Have a look at the table below which has information outlining what percentage of the GCSEs are coursework and exams. This data is from AQA’s website .

In each of these subjects, the type of task to be completed for coursework is completely different. Most exam boards refer to coursework as a non-exam assessment (NEA).  

What does GCSE coursework involve?

In the Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE, the non-exam assessment mainly consists of a cooking practical. Students will have to prepare, cook and present a final menu of three dishes. The students will then have to write a report about their work and include photographic evidence. To find out more about the Food Preparation and Nutrition course, visit the AQA page .

For the coursework in Drama, there are two different components. One involves performing a group devised mini play and keeping a log of the creation process. The other involves performing two extracts from a play. To find out more about GCSE Drama, visit the AQA page .

In GCSE Art, the coursework component consists of selecting and presenting a portfolio representative of their course of study. The portfolio must include one main project as well as a selection of other work from activities such as experiments, skills-based workshops, or responses to gallery visits. To find out more about GCSE Art, visit the AQA page .

In GCSE Music, students must do both an ensemble performance and a solo performance using the instrument of their choice (which can be voice). They must also create two different music compositions. To find out more about GCSE Music, visit the AQA page .

For coursework in GCSE DT, students must design and produce a product. This will involve investigating design possibilities, planning, creating their idea, and evaluating the end result. At school, students will have to use special equipment such as machines and saws. To find out more about GCSE DT, visit the AQA page .

For coursework in GCSE PE, students will be assessed through their performance in three different sports or physical activities of their choice. One has to be a team activity, one an individual activity, and the third either a team or individual activity. Students will also be assessed on their analysis and evaluation of their improvements in performance.  To find out more about GCSE PE, visit the AQA page .

Does GCSE Science have coursework?

GCSE Science doesn’t involve any graded coursework. However, there is a list of required practicals that students are supposed to complete. These science practicals will involve following instructions set out by the teacher to investigate materials or scientific principles.  Students will often have to write up the method and conclusion. It’s important that students try their best to understand these practicals as there will be questions about them that are worth several marks in the exams.

Does GCSE English have coursework?

GCSE English technically doesn’t have any coursework that has a weighting on the final grade. However, in English Language there’s a compulsory spoken language assessment that isn’t done at the same time as normal GCSE exams. It’s reported as a separate grade (either Pass, Merit, Distinction or Not Classified) and doesn’t contribute to the result of the GCSE English Language qualification. To learn more about the spoken language assessment, have a look at this AQA page .

For English Literature, despite there not being any coursework tasks, there are of course novels and poems that students need to become familiar with in order to pass the GCSE. This will have to be done throughout Year 10 and Year 11. Students might be set the homework of reading a couple of chapters for example.

What are some tips for completing GCSE coursework?

If you’re deciding to do one or multiple GCSE subjects that involve coursework, it’s crucial that you can be organised enough to complete them to the best possible standard. As seen from the table shown previously, coursework makes up a significant proportion of the final grade. To have the best chance at getting a high grade, you’ll need to put an adequate amount of time into the task and not treat it as trivial.

In GCSE Art in particular, there is a lot of work that will need to be completed throughout the two-year course. A lot of homework will end up being graded for coursework as they will go in your portfolio. GCSE Art is often said to be one of the most stressful GCSEs because of this constant pressure of getting work done on time out of school.

If you love art and want to continue studying it, it’s important to manage your time well and not post-pone completing tasks until the last minute. As soon as you start getting behind with work that needs completing, that’s when you’ll really start to struggle and make things harder for yourself. If you want to learn how to get a good grade in GCSE Art in general, check out this Think Student article .

Make sure that you always note down what you’ve got to get done and by what date. This could be in a physical planner, on an app on your phone, or on a digital calendar. Perhaps set a specific time each weekend to complete any remaining work that you didn’t manage to get done during the week. If you remain on schedule, you’ll significantly reduce any stress plus you’ll have a higher chance of producing your best quality work.

How to Write a Coursework

Coursework projects do not resemble essays, research papers, or dissertations. They are the combination of all three. Students spend less time writing coursework than on making a term paper, but this type of work requires more time and efforts than an ordinary essay - it is made of several essays. Thanks to our guide, each student can discover how to write coursework. If you are running out of time or lack experience to complete the specific coursework, we recommend using our coursework writing services to hire professional academic writers.

What is Coursework and Why Does It Matter?

Coursework definition: General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) coursework is a typical academic assignment, given in the course of study to evaluate the student’s knowledge, skills, and identify the final grade. Many students face this type of writing in the US colleges. One of the examples is a coursework UTD (The University of Texas at Dallas) - the requirements of this institution are strict, and many students fail to submit their papers and pass the corresponding courses.

Such type of assignment helps to have the ‘detective’ hat on: a student observes, examines, and evaluates the chosen topic using credible, up-to-date, and relevant sources. Working under controlled conditions is important. Participating in every school class will help to prepare good coursework by the end of the term. Take a look at the examples of what students of various profiles may face:

• English Composition - English coursework is an extended essay in most cases. A student has a right to pick the topic. The tutors provide their students with the list of recommended titles to choose from, sources to observe & analyze, and a format (e.g., a comparison between different relevant articles)
• Sciences - coursework for science is a complicated assignment. Such type of work appears in the form of a scientific paper to test what a writer investigates and reports independently.
• Geography - geography coursework is about collecting, reporting, and explaining information to reply to a certain geographical question or offer solutions to the problem. One idea is to explore the usage of a shopping mall or analyze the recent tornado. No matter whether you have to prepare a coursework Columbia or such paper for other educational institutions, keep in mind these differences!

Types of Coursework Explained

English Language coursework is the most common type of this assignment. At advanced GCE level, the student will be expected to write a couple of essays, totaling 3,000 words. Every assignment is 20 marks maximum.

An analytical essay : Evaluate, compare, & contrast 3 different sources of data interconnected by a common theme; written /spoken / multimedia content. Discuss different uses for targeting various audiences. Learn more on our blog.

Original essay with a supportive commentary : A student will have to come up with a single piece of media writing in the observed modes (written, spoken, or multimodal). Add a supporting piece with details about the aspects of English language. English Language & Literature coursework is a bit different. The basic requirements are the same, and the parts are:

An analytical study : Sharing an analysis of the chosen piece and its relation to the related content. It will show how well the writer understands the original piece. Tutors grade such works based on the:

• Use of the proper terminology and the coherence of the written words;
• Understanding & evaluation of the way a structure, form, and language create the written & spoken word;
• Opportunity to observe relationships between various pieces of writing.

Creative writing & commentary : Produce a creative piece that imitates the style of the assessed text. Share comments to backup your understanding. The goal is to show the knowledge, prove the competence, and use appropriate language skills in communicating with the target audience. You will also need a relevant coursework resume (review) in both cases. Keep on reading to learn how to write coursework of A level.

How to Write a Coursework: Guide for Students

Several factors may lead to the coursework being disqualified. It is a serious matter! The risk factors include:

• Plagiarism - it is the worst thing that could happen to any type of academic assignment. Lots of relevant information is available on the world wide web today, and the tutors are strict about the issue of plagiarism. Write everything in your own words! If you decide to insert the quotes from the sources, apply the suggested citation format and develop a list of references. Sign the declaration claiming it is your original project. If you're unsure about how to approach this, seeking professional help by choosing to write my coursework can be a wise decision.
• Word count - do not ignore the specific requirements concerning the length of the coursework. Specify if the footnotes, appendices, & references are included in the word count.
• Topics - go through the list of available themes. If there is an examination planned on the specific topic, try to pick another idea for the coursework.
• Tutor’s assistance - do not ignore the help of your instructor, ask them to provide guidance on what to write. Ask the questions to learn more details, but keep in mind they can go through the 1st draft once and just offer some general recommendations.

Choosing a Topic for Your Project

Dedicate enough time to this extra important question. Select the field of your interest if it is possible to relate it to the course. That is the golden rule of choosing a coursework topic - keep in mind the rest of the hints:

• Analyze the offered list of topics or develop yours
• Pick a topic from the area of your expertise related to the studied subject
• Select the topic you are interested in
• Choose the topic you’ve started to observe in the past
• Check how much relevant, up-to-date information is available on the Internet about each of the topics
• Pick what you can measure, change, & control (they call it a ‘fair test’)
• Use the ideas of previous researchers and students
• Do not choose a topic with a vast scope - you risk struggling to research it correctly

10 Good Coursework Topics

• Non-traditional Forms of Poetry with TC Tolbert
• Documentary Foundations: Usage of Oral Histories with Beth Alvarado
• Traditional Forms of Poetry
• Hermit Crabs: Type of Fiction
• Writing the Autobiographical Poem
• Creative Non-Fiction on the Examples of New Journalists
• Authors without Borders
• Writing the Sticky Stuff
• Socially Engaged Literary Arts
• Common Vocabulary

Research & Data Collection

Research is an integral part of coursework. Have you written research papers before? If yes, you will find it easier to select proper primary & secondary sources and gather the necessary information (evidence to support the main point - thesis). Depending on the required paper format, cite & reference the following sources:

• Books & e-Books

Base the project on a specific hypothesis. The research must start with minimum one hypothesis. The research stage for some topics may consist of visiting websites to collect information. Leave another time for collecting the data as it is the heart of the research. Three methods of data collection are known:

• Direct personal investigation : The one an author does individually (using literature and findings from previous studies);
• Interview/Questionnaire : The researcher should gather the data from the respondents asking questions regarding required data;
• Discussion with community leaders : Community leaders are approached to fetch information for the necessary data.

In case a student works on a scientific experiment, they should pay attention to planning the analysis with the help of rigorous scientific methods (keeping in mind the Health & Safety precautions you take). Review background information and theories. Take notes to express what you expect to occur to compare & contrast it to what happened in real life. In the write-up stage, one has to evaluate and present the findings.

Writing a Coursework Outline

The writing process follows the research. Do not start it without preparing an action plan and scheduling the work - a paper pin for English coursework is based on an extended essay . An outline will look different for the science coursework projects. The goal of creating a plan is to prevent a writer from being disorganized and waffling.

Let us explain coursework outline on the specific example - a project on the global pursuit of lower costs and the role of human rights.

Start with the brief introduction explaining why it might be a topic of interest for many people. Mention those vast corporations like Wal-Mart abuse human rights by choosing and using child labor in the factories.

Provide an overview of the problem . Define human rights and costs. Pick the definitions from the official dictionaries and cite them properly when inserting in the text. Try to explain the terms in your own words.

Develop a body of the coursework , start with the case for & against ethical business practices. Using evidence and examples, list the arguments supporting ethical business practices and another side of the coin. Include a business case for ethical practices after the opening body paragraph.

Move to discussing ethical responsibilities ; explain why business organizations should care about the ethical aspects of their activities. After three sections of the body, one can conclude the paper. It can be a good idea to share a fact or statistics stressing the importance of research problem in the essay conclusion. End up with the reference list that may look this way:

• Klein N (2000) No Logo (Flamingo, London)
• Marcousé I, Gillespie A, Martin B, Surridge M and Wall N (2003) Business Studies 2e (Hodder Arnold, Oxon)
• Royal Dutch Shell (2006) 4th Quarter Financial Report at (site example)

Additional Elements

Supporting materials and pictures are a must! The sciences & geography projects require tables, charts, graphs, and other types of images to illustrate the complicated topic. Not only should you add the pictures - it is essential to interpret and reference each of them. A separate part of the coursework where the student list and explains every visual element is Appendix , and it is an optional part. The presence of appendix increases the chances to earn an A+.

How to Write an Introduction for Coursework?

Most of the students underestimate the role of introduction & conclusion when it comes to writing an essay. An eye-catchy introduction is a key to success. The primary purposes of a coursework introduction are:

• To grab the reader’s attention
• To introduce the topic
• To explain the research importance
• To come up with a compelling thesis statement

The opening paragraph shows the depth of the writer’s acquaintance with the topic. Look at the expert tips below. They will help to learn how to write a coursework introduction to make the tutor want to read your entire paper.

What Is an Introduction?

The introduction of GCSE coursework is the opening paragraph that aims to interpret the central questions and purposes of the entire paper. It should have several elements to be effective. Those are:

• A hook sentence
• Background information
• Problem significance
• Solid thesis statement

Advice from our Experienced Writer

How to write an introduction to coursework? The quality of this part predetermines paper’s success. Look at some common mistakes writers do while working on the coursework introduction - try to prevent them!

Ignoring the prompt. Many students tend to neglect the tutor’s instructions. It is critical to read the prompt several times, highlight the main points, research question, rules, and grading rubric details.

Missing a plan. The prompt does not always say to develop a coursework outline. Without a plan for every separate section, it is impossible to write a flawless piece step-by-step. No matter whether you have to write a term paper, research paper, dissertation, or C3 coursework, get ready with the detailed plan. Once you understand how to write an introduction, it will be easier to develop the rest of the paper.

For those who need a helping hand in ensuring their work meets all the standards and deadlines, don't hesitate to buy coursework from trusted professionals.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• Custom proposal examples
• Remote jobs for Students
• Shipping industry trends
• Finding a term paper writer quickly
• Quality management essay sample
• Graduate thesis proposal
• Crafting a term paper outline
• Topics for a successful term project
• History GCSE coursework help
• History homework help
• How to buy a customized essay
• Academic article review writing guide
• Term paper writing rules
• Selecting essay topics
• Creating descriptive paragraphs
• MLA research projects samples
• Movie review writing assistance
• MLA term paper samples
• APA format for research paper
• How to order a custom essay
• Organizing your thoughts
• How to start APA format papers
• Explanatory synthesis essay tips
• How to write an essay on global warming
• Efficient term paper subject solutions
• Term paper writing tips
• College application essay sample
• Medical marijuana paper sample
• Sources with research paper proposals
• Finding stem cell research papers
• Online essay writing assistance
• Psychology term paper topics
• Report writing help
• Essay sample about Chaim Perelman
• The impact of divorce essay example
• Culture vs. religion essay sample
• Avoid anxiety when writing
• Sample essay about Martin Luther
• Chicago Style templates
• Writing accurate law essays
• Book review writing guide
• Students buying custom college essays
• How to buy a custom academic project
• Philip Morris thesis example
• Starting paper writing process
• 5 paragraph essay writing guide
• Capstone project literature review
• Using academic writing assistance
• What to know about master’s thesis
• Why write essays for money
• How to find a reliable paper helper
• PhD dissertations are complex
• Write my paper for me requests
• Writing an apartheid essay
• Writing a great argumentative essay
• Writing a successful essay intro
• Report writing tips
• How to structure essays
• Writing paper from scratch
• An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge
• Analytical essay writing guide
• The role of AI in the future of education
• Original writing coursework
• How much to pay for a custom essay
• Persuasive speech writing
• College research paper hints
• Police brutality essays
• Academic editing companies
• Chemistry essays prompts
• Selecting an unusual topic
• Research paper: timing
• Research paper in anthropology
• Custom essay writing services
• GCSE coursework tips
• Apollo 11 research paper writing
• Finding argumentative subjects
• Essay sample on behavioural dfferences
• Brainstorming essay topics
• Business research papers
• Buying essays online
• Cars should come with breathalyzers essay sample
• Developmental psychology topics
• Don't buy argumentative essays
• Rainwater harvesting essay example
• Essay proposal writing manual
• Essay sample on antioxidants effects
• Avoiding grammar mistakes

What is a GCSE Coursework?

The definition of a GCSE is a general certificate of secondary education. There are several countries that practice this type of certification, mainly in Europe. You’ll find GCSE coursework in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, as well as some British territories such as Gibraltar and South Africa. In Scotland, they have an equivalent certificate called the Standard Grade. The certificate has quite an accomplished meaning; students aged 14-16 can be eligible to be awarded a GCSE in a particular subject. The coursework for a GCSE really depends on what the subject is, and what the native language of the student taking the course is. It changes between countries and languages, as well as at the subject matter level.

Hire a Writer Online for Your GCSE Coursework

With such an esteemed achievement, you want to do your very best and not disappoint yourself or any of your family or friends who are cheering for you to succeed. For some students, they simply aren’t able to invest the time that they would like to into this coursework, and so they go to an expert for assistance. Other students have the issue of having great ideas and thoughts but they aren’t as skilled at writing it down or organizing what they wish to say. In both those cases, it’s a good idea to have your GCSE coursework written by an expert online.

You can find a writing service online by doing one of two things: getting a recommendation from a friend, or finding one yourself. Getting a recommendation is much preferable if you can, because you’ll be able to talk to this friend about the entire process of hiring someone online while you’re doing it. But, if you don’t know anybody in person that has done this before, you can improve your chances of success by making sure that you choose the right company to go with. Here’s a list of a few things you should look for when deciding:

• Does the website look professional and clean, or is it full of flashing ads and unreadable text? Stay away from the latter.
• What about the writers? Are they simply good at writing or do they have experience specifically with writing GCSE’s? Because that will make a big difference.
• Will they only deliver 100% unique and original coursework to their customers? They need to have a strict rule against any plagiarism.
• Great research paper topics
• Try to be objective
• Research papers
• Term papers
• Book reports
• Movie reviews
• Dissertations
• Good essay writing guide
• Useful resources about essay writing for all
• Read an article about essay .

Everything You Need to Know About GCSEs

GCSEs are a common fixture in the education system today, but that wasn’t always the case. The education system has been in a constant state of evolution since it was established. For many people, the qualifications that are in play today weren’t what they studied during their time in school.  

Before GCSEs were introduced, qualifications like CSEs, O-Levels and GCEs were all used to depict the level of knowledge young people had acquired in Secondary Education. So, when were GCSEs introduced? These academic qualifications were launched in September 1986.

Though, even for people who are familiar with the concept of GCSEs , since their introduction in the late 1980s they too have evolved. So, it’s understandable for people of any age to be a little unsure as to what these qualifications exactly entail, the GCSE grade equivalents, and how important it is for you to obtain them today. 

To help clear things up, we’ve answered some of the most common questions and queries surrounding GCSEs, such as 'when were GCSEs introduced?'. So, you know exactly the next step to take in your learning journey.  

What is GCSE Course? 

GCSE stands for the General Certificate of Secondary Education, and its purpose in education is to provide an academic qualification in a particular subject like Maths, English and Science.  

Students will start officially studying for GCSE exams in either Year 9 or 10, depending on the school they attend, and the subject studied. The exams will be taken at the end of Year 11.  

Students tend to take 5 GCSEs at Key Stage 4, enabling them to achieve qualifications in the core subjects English, Maths and Science, as well as two subjects of their choosing. Though, this varies depending on the school.   

Over the years there have been substantial changes to the GCSE   concept. Now, more subjects are on offer, existing subjects have been altered, exam formats, regulations and the grading of GCSE exams have all altered considerably. 

GCSEs are typically studied by 14-16-year-olds, but you can complete a GCSE to get qualified in a subject of interest at any age.  

When Were GCSEs Introduced?

Before the discussion of GCSE grade equivalents began, many of us were asking 'when were GCSEs introduced?' Well, the first GCSE was launched in September 1986. These Level 2 qualifications replaced CSE and O-Levels, bringing the two together to provide a fuller range of grades.

How Important Are GCSEs? 

GCSEs provide the first formal record of your academic ability and potential. Many people assume they are only important for getting you into college, but they actually play a huge part in your life afterwards. It may be difficult to accept this when taking a Maths revision test , but the content you learn can be applied to everyday life!

GCSE qualifications are the minimum requirement and a barrier to entry for most roles and university courses. This makes them arguably the most important qualifications you can do because A Levels will only get you so far without strong passes in the core GCSE subjects. 

GCSEs act as an educational gateway , unlocking access to higher education and further fields of study. They provide the footing of whichever career you decide to pursue but it’s important to note their value isn’t completely clear cut.  

Universities set their own entry requirements, which can vastly differ depending on the institution. Employers can also be subjective, with many external factors affecting recruitment. So, if you don’t have GCSEs, all isn’t lost .  

How Long is a GCSE Course? 

The length of GCSE courses depends on the capacity in which you choose to study them. In a traditional school setting, you take a number of these at once so they will take 2-3 years to complete depending on the school and subjects studied.  

If you’re wondering ‘how long is a GCSE course   at college?’ you can take adult GCSE courses in evening classes, study them part or full-time in a college setting. This again dictates the amount of time you will spend studying.  

Full-time students can complete standard GCSE programmes over two years or GCSE short courses which are completed in just one year. Part-time GCSE courses will take longer, as will evening courses, though the exact length will depend on the individual college programme.  

If you are looking for a faster option, read on. 

Are There Any Online GCSE Courses? 

Hands down the quickest way to complete GCSEs is through  online GCSE courses . With online GCSE courses, the materials for the entire course are accessible online once you enrol. So, you can move on to the next modules of your course as soon as you’re ready.  

This differs from traditional and college-based GCSE courses as you don’t work through the course materials at the same pace as your classmates. Music to the ears of anyone who prefers studying alone and those wanting to reach their academic goals quicker.  

You have two years to complete online GCSE courses , however, completion is possible in as little as 6 months!  

What GCSE Courses Are There? 

There are a host of online GCSE courses available to study, with learndirect   you can complete GCSEs in: 

• Biology 
• Business Studies 
• Chemistry 
• Economics 
• English Language  
• English Literature 
• History 
• Mathematics 
• Physics 
• Psychology 
• Sociology 

See the full list of learndirect’s GCSE offering, including all course variations on our GCSE course page .  

The best online GCSE courses for you will depend entirely on the higher level qualifications you want to obtain and the career path you wish to enter. This is why it’s always advised to research these ahead of enrolling on online GCSE courses. 

Why Did the Grading System for GCSEs Change? 

When they were first introduced, GCSE courses were graded in letters. A, B, C, D, E, F and G were set as pass grades, and the letter U was given for an ‘unclassified’ grade. This did not qualify you for a certificate. 

A C grade in this system was known as the standard pass and the minimum requirement for most jobs and degrees. In later years, the A* grade was added as the highest level, to show that you had performed exceptionally in your subject.  

From 2017, these grades were reformed, and GCSEs have since been assessed on a 9-point scale, with many people having to learn GCSE grade equivalents. This system uses the numbers 9 through to 1, with 9 being the highest pass grade. A grade 4 now replaces the previous grade C and, just like the old system, a U signifies an unclassified grade that falls below the minimum pass mark. 

The reason for this change was to bring in more differentiation at the top end of the grading scale. It should help sixth forms, colleges, universities and employers better understand what level young people are working to. It also more closely aligns England with the top performing education jurisdictions around the world. So, once you have got to grips with what a grade 2 GCSE equivalent is and a GCSE grade 3 equivalent.

I Failed my GCSEs – What are My Options? 

If you didn’t get what you wanted on GCSE results day, you can resit them in a number of ways, depending on your preference.  

If you don’t mind going back into class, you can enrol to resit your GCSEs in a local school or college. With this option, you will be bound to a set timetable and have to attend classes with other GCSE students. 

If going back to class isn’t something you want to do, you can resit GCSEs through online GCSE courses instead. 

I’ve Never Studied GCSEs – What are My Options? 

If you don’t have GCSEs, you could see if the qualifications you do have stand up in place of these for your higher level course, degree, or work opportunity.  

Many institutions and employers accept alternative Level 2 qualifications in place of GCSEs. So, don’t panic if you’re working from the old system.  

If you don’t currently have any qualifications, or the right grades, and you need to get some under your belt quickly,  Functional Skills courses can provide swift alternatives. When studied at Level 2, you can get the equivalent of a C/4 at GCSE in English, Maths and ICT.  

Can I Apply for Uni Courses with No GCSE Grades? 

Traditionally, universities would request a certain combination of GCSEs and A Levels as entry requirements for their degrees. The courses you would need to study would ideally complement the subject you were hoping to take.  

However, as the education system evolved, so too did the way you could access a degree. A lot of degree courses are now more flexible in the GCSE subjects they take, though Maths and English are still the most requested. Should you need to get the grades for these quickly, learndirect offer  Maths and English courses for adults online .  

In addition to this, many universities now consider other elements in their applications. Character traits like resilience and tenacity, along with prior experience, can be highly desirable in educational institutions. 

Can You Do an Access Course Without GCSEs? 

Access to Higher Education Diplomas are an increasingly popular way to meet university entry requirements. They go in place of three individual A Levels, and can be studied over two years but they are typically completed within 9-12 months. This makes them an incredibly efficient way to get on track to university level study.  

To get started on an Access to Higher Education Diploma, you don’t need to have GCSEs or equivalent Level 2 qualifications. However, when you go to apply to university, you will.  

There’s no need to panic though. At learndirect, many of our students will study Level 2 Functional Skills courses alongside their Access to Higher Education Diploma. These Functional Skills courses can be completed in a matter of weeks, so they won’t overwhelm you as you work towards meeting university entry requirements.   

How Much is a GCSE Course? 

Again, this depends on the capacity in which you study your GCSE courses. If you go back into a classroom, the course fees need to cover the cost of the teacher's wage and the classroom in which the lessons are delivered.  

If you opt for online GCSE courses, there are far fewer costs involved, which often make online versions of the courses much cheaper.  

You can find the cost of the online GCSE courses provided by learndirect on our website .  

Enrol Online Today! 

By now, you should have some of your questions answered, from 'when were GCSEs introduced?' to 'why did the grading system for GCSEs change?'. If GCSEs are essential to your career or academic progression, learndirect can provide you with a swift and cost-effective way to get qualified. From GCSE Maths online courses to English, Science and many other subject areas, you can get the knowledge and grade you need for your next move.  

Find out more by speaking with our Course Executives today. They will answer all the questions you have and help you take the next steps to enrol. 

Call them now on 01202 006 464 or contact them online .  

What our customers think

Sign up to our Newsletter

Please choose the system you want to login to:

learndirect learning

Request a Callback

• Onsite training

3,000,000+ delegates

15,000+ clients

1,000+ locations

• KnowledgePass
• Log a ticket

01344203999 Available 24/7

What is GCSEs? A Comprehensive Guide

GCSEs are key qualifications in the UK education system. This blog explores “What is GCSE”, its importance, how it's graded, its mandatory subjects and tips on choosing the right subjects. It also covers potential pathways after completing your GCSEs. Read on to learn more about it in detail and how it can shape your future.

Exclusive 40% OFF

Training Outcomes Within Your Budget!

We ensure quality, budget-alignment, and timely delivery by our expert instructors.

Share this Resource

• Active Listening Training
• Attention Management Training
• Stress Management Course
• Time Management Training

As you approach the final stretch of your secondary school journey, the buzz around GCSEs grows louder. But what exactly are these three letters that wield such influence? You might be wondering, “What is GCSE?” and why is it such a big deal? GCSEs, or General Certificate of Secondary Education, are like stepping stones to your future—a bridge connecting your academic past to the exciting possibilities ahead.   

Whether you’re considering further studies or planning your career, these exams are key. In this blog, we discuss what GCSEs are, explore their significance, decode the grading system, and even guide you in choosing the right subjects. So, buckle up—we’re about to embark on a knowledge-packed adventure!   

Table of Contents  

1) What is GCSE? 

2) The Importance of GCSEs 

3) How are GCSEs Graded? 

4) What Are the Mandatory Subjects in GCSEs? 

5) How to Choose Your GCSE Subjects? 

6) Can You Take GCSE Exams on Your Own? 

7) Potential Pathways After GCSEs 

8) Conclusion 

What is GCSE? 

GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. It's a qualification students typically earn at the end of their secondary school education, around the age of 16, in the UK.  

GCSEs are a set of exams taken in various subjects to show your knowledge and skills in those areas. These qualifications are essential for progressing to higher education or entering the workforce.  

The Importance of GCSEs 

GCSEs are very important as they lay the foundation for your future education and career. They are often the first major qualifications you'll earn and are crucial for getting into further education, like A-levels or vocational courses. Employers and universities also look at your GCSE results when considering you for jobs or admission. 

How are GCSEs Graded? 

GCSEs are graded on a scale from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. The new grading system now uses numbers instead of the old letter grades, providing a more precise assessment of student performance. Here’s how the new grades correspond to the old ones: 

a) Grade 9 – Even higher than the old A*, indicating exceptional performance. 

b) Grade 8 – Below an A* but above an A, reflecting a strong understanding of the subject. 

c) Grade 7 – Slightly below an A but still very close, showing solid achievement. 

d) Grade 6 – Slightly better than a B, demonstrating above-average knowledge. 

e) Grade 5 – Below a B but above a C, also known as a 'strong pass'. 

f) Grade 4 – Equivalent to a C, referred to as a 'standard pass'. 

g) Grade 3 – Below a D but above an E, showing some understanding but not quite passing. 

h) Grade 2 – Between an E and an F, indicating a limited grasp of the material. 

i) Grade 1 – Between an F and a G, representing minimal achievement. 

j) Ungraded (U) – The lowest possible mark, and just like the old system, a U represents a fail.

What are the Mandatory Subjects in GCSEs? 

Some subjects are mandatory for all students taking GCSEs. These usually include English, Mathematics, and Science. You may also be required to study subjects like Physical Education and Religious Studies, depending on your school. 

Learn essential techniques for prioritising tasks with our Time Management Training – Join today!  

How to Choose Your GCSE Subjects? 

Here are some tips to help you decide your subjects: 

Required Number of GCSEs 

You should take a minimum of 5 subjects, and while it's possible to take up to 16 GCSEs, managing such a large number can be extremely challenging. Most students typically take around 9 GCSE subjects. 

Select Subjects You Excel In 

Choose subjects you are good at and enjoy. Doing well in these subjects will boost your overall grades and confidence. 

Most Challenging GCSE Subjects 

Some subjects are considered more challenging than others, like 

a) Physics 

b) English Literature 

c) Maths 

d) Computer Science 

e) Economics 

f) Biology 

g) English Language 

Think about whether you enjoy a challenge and are prepared to put in the extra effort. 

Avoid Overloading with Too Many Subjects  

Taking too many subjects can be overwhelming. It's better to focus on doing well in a manageable number of subjects than spreading yourself too thin. 

Seek Advice from Others 

Consult your teachers, parents or career advisors when choosing your subject. They can be useful and give you the information to make the right choices. 

Easiest GCSE Subjects  

While it's important to choose subjects you enjoy and are good at, some subjects are generally considered easier, like 

a)  Geography 

b) Film Studies 

c) Religious Studies 

d) Media Studies 

e) Hospitality and Catering 

f) Business Studies 

g) Drama 

h) Physical Education 

However, make sure they align with your interests and future goals. 

Consider Your Future Goals and Career Aspirations  

Think about what you want to do after school. If you have a specific career in mind, choose subjects that will help you get there. For example, if you want to be a doctor, focus on science subjects. 

Learn how to deal with stress with our Stress Management Course – Join today!  

Can You Take GCSE Exams on Your Own? 

Yes, it is possible to sit for GCSE as a private candidate. This means you study the material on your own or with a tutor and then take the exam at an authorised exam centre. This option is normally preferred by learners who were unable to pursue GCSEs in school or even those who wish to repeat exams to improve their grades. 

Potential Pathways After GCSEs 

After completing your GCSEs, you have several options. You can continue your education by taking Advanced Level qualifications (A-levels), Business and Technology Education Council Qualifications (BTECs), or other vocational qualifications. Alternatively, you can start an apprenticeship or enter the workforce, depending on your career goals. 

Conclusion 

GCSEs are a crucial step in your education, helping to shape your future. Having an understanding of “What is GCSE” and selecting the most appropriate subjects, as well as doing well in your exams, prepares you well for the next level of education and your desired job market. However, do not rush with decision-making; consult with others and follow the path that will allow you to leverage your skills and achieve your goals. 

Learn the career development challenges with our Career Development Course – Sign up today!  

Frequently Asked Questions

The most difficult GCSE exam differs from one learner to another. However, data shows that subjects such as Maths, Physics, and History are the most demanding because of the information density they cover. 

GCSEs are different from the SAT. GCSEs cover multiple subjects and are taken over two years, while the SAT is a single standardised test for college admissions in the US. 

The Knowledge Academy takes global learning to new heights, offering over 30,000 online courses across 490+ locations in 220 countries. This expansive reach ensures accessibility and convenience for learners worldwide. 

Alongside our diverse Online Course Catalogue, encompassing 19 major categories, we go the extra mile by providing a plethora of free educational Online Resources like News updates, Blogs , videos, webinars, and interview questions. Tailoring learning experiences further, professionals can maximise value with customisable Course Bundles of TKA . 

The Knowledge Academy’s Knowledge Pass , a prepaid voucher, adds another layer of flexibility, allowing course bookings over a 12-month period. Join us on a journey where education knows no bounds. 

The Knowledge Academy offers various Personal Development Courses , including the Career Development Course, Stress Management Course, and Time Management Training. These courses cater to different skill levels, providing comprehensive insights into GCSE Grades 2024 .   

Our Business Skills Blogs cover a range of topics related to Career Development, offering valuable resources, best practices, and industry insights. Whether you are a beginner or looking to advance your Career Development knowledge, The Knowledge Academy's diverse courses and informative blogs have got you covered. 

Upcoming Business Skills Resources Batches & Dates

Fri 15th Nov 2024

Fri 28th Feb 2025

Fri 4th Apr 2025

Fri 27th Jun 2025

Fri 29th Aug 2025

Fri 24th Oct 2025

Fri 5th Dec 2025

Get A Quote

WHO WILL BE FUNDING THE COURSE?

My employer

By submitting your details you agree to be contacted in order to respond to your enquiry

• Business Analysis
• Lean Six Sigma Certification

Share this course

Our biggest summer sale.

We cannot process your enquiry without contacting you, please tick to confirm your consent to us for contacting you about your enquiry.

By submitting your details you agree to be contacted in order to respond to your enquiry.

We may not have the course you’re looking for. If you enquire or give us a call on 01344203999 and speak to our training experts, we may still be able to help with your training requirements.

Or select from our popular topics

• ITIL® Certification
• Scrum Certification
• ISO 9001 Certification
• Change Management Certification
• Microsoft Azure Certification
• Microsoft Excel Courses
• Explore more courses

Press esc to close

Fill out your  contact details  below and our training experts will be in touch.

Fill out your   contact details   below

Thank you for your enquiry!

One of our training experts will be in touch shortly to go over your training requirements.

Back to Course Information

Fill out your contact details below so we can get in touch with you regarding your training requirements.

* WHO WILL BE FUNDING THE COURSE?

Preferred Contact Method

No preference

Back to course information

Fill out your  training details  below

Fill out your training details below so we have a better idea of what your training requirements are.

HOW MANY DELEGATES NEED TRAINING?

HOW DO YOU WANT THE COURSE DELIVERED?

Online Instructor-led

Online Self-paced

WHEN WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE THIS COURSE?

Next 2 - 4 months

WHAT IS YOUR REASON FOR ENQUIRING?

Looking for some information

Looking for a discount

I want to book but have questions

One of our training experts will be in touch shortly to go overy your training requirements.

Your privacy & cookies!

Like many websites we use cookies. We care about your data and experience, so to give you the best possible experience using our site, we store a very limited amount of your data. Continuing to use this site or clicking “Accept & close” means that you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more about our privacy policy and cookie policy cookie policy .

We use cookies that are essential for our site to work. Please visit our cookie policy for more information. To accept all cookies click 'Accept & close'.

• House of Commons Latest
• War in Ukraine
• Levelling Up
• Scottish Independence
• Cost of Living
• Latest Opinion Polls
• Write for us
• Drawing for Politics.co.uk
• Creative Politics
• Terms of use

Politics.co.uk

• Conservative Leadership
• Autumn Budget

What are GCSEs

GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education.  These are the qualifications obtained by fifteen and sixteen year old’s in the UK at the end of their Year 11 schooling.

GCSEs provide a uniform framework for assessment in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Schools in Scotland pursue Scottish Qualifications Certificates.  Chosen subjects are studied over two years and assessed by final exams or coursework.

While students have scope to choose some of their GCSE options, a number of subjects are obligatory. These are known as core subjects and include: Maths, English Literature, English Language, and Science (in varying forms). Welsh is considered a core subject in Wales. Some schools may enforce additional compulsory subjects in the fields of humanities, foreign languages, or arts and design.

Are GCSEs an outdated relic from the past? window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot('/1071561/InArticleVideoPlacement1', [1, 1], 'div-gpt-ad-1604351695195-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); }); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1604351695195-0'); }); Featured Scottish Government must avoid pursuing DMNROs, says BASC Featured BASC delivering training for Police Scotland

Grading system and regulation

GCSEs were traditionally scored from A* to G (with an additional U grade for papers deemed ‘ungraded’). This is still the case in Wales and Northern Ireland. In England, however, recent government reforms have replaced that method with a 9-1 grading scheme; a 9 corresponding to a high A*.

Under the English numerical system, a minimum of a 4 is required to pass, while grades 1-3 are considered a fail. U continues to exist for unmarkable papers. These changes were enforced incrementally.

English language, English literature and GCSE Maths were the first to receive numerical grades in the summer of 2017. A further 20 subjects were reformed from 2018, and most others in 2019. During the transition, pupils received a combination of letter and numerical grades.

GCSE syllabuses are set, examinations administered, and certificates awarded by five primary examination boards: AQA, CCEA; Edexcel; OCR; WJEC. These are overseen by regulatory authorities to ensure parity between schools using a different exam board.

These regulators are Ofqual in England ; DCELLS in Wales; and CCEA in Northern Ireland.

Each year, the awarding bodies decide on a ‘Common Timetable’ to co-ordinate the scheduling of examinations. The timetable usually runs from late May to late June.

Should GCSEs be scrapped? window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { var mapping3 = googletag.sizeMapping() .addSize([0, 0], [[300, 250], [1, 1]]) .build(); googletag.defineSlot('/1071561/InArticleMPU1', [[300,250]], 'div-gpt-ad-1608202827541-0') .defineSizeMapping(mapping3) .addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); }); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1608202827541-0'); });

The pros of the GCSE system

GCSE exams have traditionally been praised for facilitating a young person’s progression into work. Despite the rise in alternative qualifications, GCSE and A-Levels remain the most widely recognised by national employers.  Many employers view a pass in GCSE English and GCSE Maths as important, and it is claimed that the real-world significance of these core subjects is clear.

The Learning and Work Institute reiterates this point by stressing the value of GCSEs among adults seeking to take exams retrospectively. Research conducted by the OECD has shown that, as of 2020, over 5 million adults are currently considered to have ‘low basic skills’. The continued existence of GCSEs allows adults to access key qualifications supporting their professional development – often in ways which could scarcely be understood at the age of sixteen.

Albeit often considered unpleasant, the traditional exam assessment experience is also said to be important in preparing pupils for workplace norms. Skills including self-discipline, time-management and personal resilience are all instilled during a pupil’s journey through GCSEs.

Dr Tim Hands, Master of Magdalen College School in Oxford, has described GCSEs as “a test of students’ “character, determination and stamina”, which forces them to develop their weaknesses. While critics draw on the severe stress and anxiety associated with high-stake exams, proponents of the current system respond that a combination of coursework, and mitigating circumstances exist to appease this. Sheltering students at a young age would not, they claim, play to their advantage in later life.

Criticisms of GCSEs

Although the government remains committed to the current exam system, the system has been attracting increasing criticism.

Perhaps the most controversial issue relating to GCSEs is the contention that the exams are too easy and are getting easier – a claim seen to be given credence by the fact that overall pass rates have increased every year since GCSEs were introduced.

Each year’s exam results tend to be followed by public and media allegations that the “absolute standard”, which GCSE grades are intended to represent, is being abused.

The Government and most teachers maintain that rising pass rates is a consequence of improving teaching methods, but opponents disagree, claiming that it is possible to pass GCSE exams without reaching many basic levels of educational attainment.

GCSEs have also come under fire for opposite reasons. It is claimed that their content-laden nature suits more academically able children, while hindering those whose competencies are best exhibited through practical means. The recent move towards Vocational GCSEs aims to address this while, ironically, increasing the complexity of core GCSE subjects.

Elsewhere it is argued that poor performance in GCSE exams disenfranchises some children, deterring them from pursuing further or higher education. It is claimed that society’s focus on GCSE grades means that those unable to obtain a pass in the core subjects of English and Maths are likely to face life-long struggles in the employment sector – simply due to their sub-average academic performance at the age of 16.

Opponents of GCSEs have also attacked the exam dominated assessment methods, which are said to favour those who are skilled in written expression, possess strong time-management skills, and perform well under acute pressure. The austere nature of exams is also  criticised for the way in which it fuels anxiety and mental health problems for large cohorts of young people.

GCSE reform – looking forward to a rosy past window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { var mapping3 = googletag.sizeMapping() .addSize([0, 0], [[300, 250], [1, 1]]) .build(); googletag.defineSlot('/1071561/InArticleMPU2/InArticleMPU3', [[300,250]], 'div-gpt-ad-1608203276440-0') .defineSizeMapping(mapping3) .addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); }); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1608203276440-0'); });

Reforming the system

As more people stay on at school after 16, the value of GCSE exams is increasingly coming into question.

In 2003 a Working Group, chaired by the former chief inspector of schools Mike Tomlinson, was charged with developing a comprehensive framework for schooling between the ages of 14 to 19. The 2004 Tomlinson report proposed a series of radical changes, including replacing GCSEs, A-Levels and vocational qualifications with a single diploma available at four levels – entry, foundation, intermediate and advanced.

The Labour Government at the time, rejected this suggestion, choosing instead to reform vocational qualifications and “build on the strengths of the existing system”.

Approaching two decades after Tomlinson’s proposals, the case for reform remains strong and, indeed, is backed by the Kenneth Baker, the Conservative Secretary State for Education at the time when the current system was first introduced.  Lord Baker has described the exams as “redundant”.

The Chairman of the Commons Education Select Committee Robert Halfon MP has also branded them “pointless”.

A poll of 799 head teachers reported by the TES publication in early 2020 found that 39% of head teachers thought that GCSEs should be scrapped, and 86% felt the current examination should either be reformed or scrapped.

Ofsted has responded to the criticism by recognising that schools should not be perceived as ‘exam factories’, but rather, should offer a curriculum which promotes holistic learning.

History of GCSEs

Early Years General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level examinations (O Levels) had existed since the early 1950s, but were only available in grammar schools and private schools. As such, they were only taken by the top 20% of the school population by academic ability. The majority of pupils who attended secondary schools left without any formal qualifications.

The mid-1960s saw the introduction of the Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) as a qualification available to all. Exams were awarded grades from 1 to 5; grade 1 being equivalent to grades 4 and above in the current system.

Throughout its lifespan, the CSE qualification was though perceived inferior to the O Level. It was administered on a regional basis, while O and A-Levels were overseen by examination boards with links to universities. Part of the CSE system was assessed within schools, which generated criticisms of low marking standards. Furthermore, the existence of two systems undermined public and employer understanding of the value of qualifications.

The Introduction of GCSES During the 1970s, there was considerable pressure to merge the systems. This was particularly pertinent following the rise in the compulsory education age to 16, which saw an increase in the number of students eligible to obtain such qualifications.

Under Jim Callaghan’s Labour government, Education Secretary Shirley Williams announced proposals for a merged “GCSE” system. In 1984, then Conservative Education Secretary Sir Keith Joseph decided to proceed with the merger.

The first GCSE courses began in 1986, and the first examinations were sat in 1988. GCSEs were graded on a letter scale from A – G, with only the top quartile obtaining a C and above. In 1994, the A* band was introduced to recognise the highest-achieving students. The A* – G scheme took effect until 2017, when it was replaced , in phases, by the numeral 9-1 system

Recent Years – Vocation Qualifications and The English Baccalaureate Growing concern about the relevance of academic studies and a lack of technical skills in young people led to the introduction of Vocational GCSEs in 2002.  This included a range of new subjects such as business, design, and health and social care.

Despite the introduction of GNVQs(General National Vocational Qualifications), the Government decided that low take-up and poor perception of GCSEs merited further reform.

In 2007, the overall A* – C pass rate for all UK entries had increased to 63.3 per cent, with one in five students achieving the highest grade. There was, however, a decline in the number taking core subjects such as geography, history and modern languages. Meanwhile, pupils were showing increased inclination towards vocational qualifications, particularly pupils from the poorest backgrounds or those attending schools in disadvantaged areas.

Consequently, the new Coalition government introduced the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) as a ‘performance measure’. The measure shows where someone has attained a C grade or above across a core of academic subjects – English, mathematics, history or geography, the sciences, and  languages. A study by UCL has shown that studying English Baccalaureate subjects at GCSE provides students with greater opportunities in further education.

The intention of the English Baccalaureate was to allow parents and pupils to see how schools were performing in key academic subjects, and to encourage schools to promote these academic subjects. Although the English Baccalaureate is not a qualification, the Government is considering the possibility of issuing certificates that will confirm its status.

The Education Secretary at the time, Michael Gove, claimed the English Baccalaureate was “hugely increasing the proportion of pupils taking the core academic subjects most valued by universities and employers.” However, the then General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Christine Blower, warned of “a very real danger that some young people will be directed away from subjects that would best support their developing aptitudes and ambitions.”

In 2019, the Government’s target was to see 75% of pupils pursuing EBacc subjects by 2022, and 90% by 2025.

‘Failed’: Gove ready to scrap GCSEs

GCSEs and the Coronavirus Pandemic Following the outbreak of COVID-19 and the subsequent closure of schools, no GCSE exams took place in the summer of 2020 or 2021.

All students due to sit exams received a calculated grade, intended to replicate the likely grades that they would have obtained should the exams have taken place. These grades were decided by teachers and based on a combination of school performance, coursework, and mock exams completed throughout the GCSE course.

Then Education Secretary Gavin Williamson was criticised for the handling of an exam algorithm in 2020.

In 2020, grades were then to be put through a standardised algorithm, developed by Ofqual, to reach a final calculated prediction. This algorithm was intended to reduce ‘grade inflation’, whereby teachers might award generous or lenient grades to their own classes, and to deliver consistent results.

However, the release of ‘standardised’ A-Level grades on 13 August 2020 generated widespread criticism of this algorithm from schools and colleges across the country.  In some schools, the awarded A-Level grades were up to 40% lower than the predictions given by teachers, with 3% seeing a decrease of two grades.  Because the algorithm used previous school attainment as part of its calculation process, one student from a traditionally ‘underperforming’ school was more likely to be downgraded compared to another student of equal intelligence from a high-achieving school.

On recognising this ‘flaw’ in Ofqual’s algorithm, the government announced on 17 August (3 days before results day) that 2020 GCSE grades would not be subject to this standardisation process.

With the coronavirus pandemic continuing, on January 6th 2021, it was announced by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson that, for the second year running, actual GCSE examinations again were not to take place. This announcement came days after England was placed in a third national lockdown to combat the spread of the virus.   Students results were to be measured through teacher led, Central Assessed Grades.

“We’ve got to end the pointless, nonsensical gulf that has been fixed for generations – more than 100 years – between the so-called academic and the so-called practical varieties of education. It’s absurd to talk about skills in this limited way. Everything is ultimately a skill – a way of doing something faster, better, more efficiently, more accurately, more confidently, whether it is carving, or painting, or brick laying, or writing, or drawing, or mathematics, Greek philosophy; every single study can be improved not just by practice but by teaching.” – Boris Johnson, 2020

“We absolutely need to move from a curriculum that is “knowledge-rich” to one that is “knowledge-engaged” – not learning facts for their own sake but understanding how to put them to use to build and communicate a rich argument or solve a problem. It is now time for education policy to catch up…. That means quietly putting to sleep the GCSE exams that I introduced and that have now had their day.” – Kenneth Baker, former Secretary of State for Education, 2019

Statistics 

According to data from Ofqual, 4.7 million GCSE exam entries were made by 16-year-olds in the UK in 2020. 5.2 million were made in total.

76% of students passed their GCSEs (grade 4/C or above), compared to 67% in 2019.

1 in 4 students (25.9%) achieved a grade 7/A or above in 2020.

78.8% of entries were awarded at least a 4 in England this summer. The figure marks an 8.9% increase on last year’s results.

The most popular subject was the science double award with 814,708 entries. This was followed by mathematics (734,301) and English (733,551). The least popular subject was engineering with 2,818 entries.

It’s time to rethink how we teach our children

‘The young people you betrayed’: Teacher writes open letter to Gove after GCSE decline

Please read our privacy policy and terms of use before signing up.

Editor's picks

Opinion Former

Data Visualisations

Powered by Polimapper

Stay on top of the stories that matter with our essential lunchtime briefing:

• The Week in Review (every Saturday AM)
• The Commons Today (Mon - Thurs PM)
• Sunday Spotlight (every Sunday AM)
• Politics@lunch (every weekday lunchtime)