GCSE

The following set of frequently asked questions give information about the GCSE qualification.
 
GCSE FAQs


Question:What is a GCSE?
Answer:The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) was first introduced in 1986 and they are offered in a wide range of subjects. The major difference between GCSEs and O-levels is that GCSEs contain a coursework (or internal assessment) element which counts towards the final student grade.
  
Question:How many do I study?
Answer:Students normally study between seven and ten subjects.
  
Question:How long does it take to do them?
Answer:Students normally study over a two-year period for their GCSEs.
  
Question:Where can I study for GCSEs?
Answer:You can study for GCSEs at your nearest approved centre. To find out which one is closest to you, please contact your local Edexcel regional office.
  
Question:How are GCSEs graded?
Answer:Foundation-tier papers are targeted at grades C–G and Higher-tier papers are targeted at grades A*–D. This allows students of all abilities the opportunity to gain good results.
  
Question:What can I do after I finish GCSEs?
Answer:Most students will do GCE AS & A-levels or a BTEC National after their GCSEs. Some prefer to go straight into work.
  
Question:Who normally takes GCSEs?
Answer:Students normally take their GCSE examinations at the age of 16. People at work who may want to get back into education, or who simply want to update or develop new skills that they can use at work, may be interested too.
  
Question:What subjects are available?
Answer:There are a large range of GCSE subjects available, including English, humanities, sciences, arts, languages, maths and technology. For a full list please go to the Qualifications area of our website.
  
Question:Will GCSEs get me a better job?
Answer:Good results in these qualifications provide an effective way of entering further education or a profession.