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GCSE Courses for Adults

Whatever your reasons for wanting to study GCSE courses as an adult, it is more than feasible for you to do this and get great grades. GCSE courses for adults are something that have been around for several years now. Although, the accessibility of them, is something that has only recently changed for the better. It’s no secret that school isn’t for everyone, and so if you were one of those students who just couldn’t get into the routine of school and settle down to achieve the GCSE grades you needed, there is still hope as an adult.

With most jobs requiring applicants to hold grades in at least English and Maths at grade 4 (previously C) or above, then if you don’t hold these qualifications, you’re potentially holding yourself and your job prospects back. With that said, it’s understandable that the thought of retaking GCSE courses as an adult can be daunting, after all, you’ve been out of education for a long time and you probably haven’t written an essay in years or even decades! But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Why Should I retake my GCSEs?

This is a question you have probably asked yourself many times, don’t worry, it’s all part of the process of trying to decide whether you want to undertake the challenge of doing GCSEs as an adult. The reasons are potentially endless, with better grades you can get a better job, you will improve your CV, your self esteem, you will feel more confident with doing simple tasks within your day to day role at work. It could even mean you can be more help with your kid’s homework when they need it.

Ultimately, only you know the real driving reason behind the need for you to retake your GCSEs and whether you feel the effort will be worth the reward. But the fact you’re reading this blog is a big indicator that you have already realised how much you will benefit from retaking them.

Is there an Age Limit?

Contrary to popular belief, no, there really is no age limit to retaking your GCSEs. If you can study and learn the course syllabus and attend an exam centre to sit your examinations, then you can go ahead and retake your chosen courses. Best of all, retaking your GCSEs doesn’t mean you have to go back to school or college and sit in a class with a load of moody teenagers!

The same applies to the other end of the spectrum. If you’re under 16, you can also study and sit exams for GCSEs if you wish to. You just have to have a consenting adult do the paperwork for you at the exam centre.

Why Distance Learning GCSEs?

With distance learning, GCSE courses for adults is easy! You can simply select the subjects you want to study, enrol through the website and then get on with your studying as and when you’re ready to. There are no restrictive term times or dates that you have to worry about, no classes you must attend and no one telling you off if you don’t hand your homework in! What more could you want? OK, when I say no dates to worry about, there is just one, and that’s the date of your examinations. With all GCSEs, regardless of if you’re a school student or mature student, you will still have to sit your exams at the same time as everyone else.

What GCSE Subjects are Available?

The range of GCSE subjects is huge. And what’s more, they can be either studied online with an online college or via the more traditional route of in school or college. Examples of GCSEs you can study include:

What is the Difference Between GCSEs and International GCSEs?

The main difference between GCSEs and International GCSEs is the coursework. When it comes to International GCSEs, these have no form of coursework or practicals that you need to complete in order to gain the qualification. Which means for online and distance learners there is no need for you to do anything other than the exams themselves.

It’s worth mentioning that International GCSEs hold the same weight and value as GCSEs. So this means that if you are looking to use the courses for entry into University or other training programmes, they will be accepted in the same way as normal GCSEs.

Do I need GCSEs as an Adult?

The simple answer is yes. GCSEs are the minimum any adult should hold, especially when they are looking to have a successful career or go to University. They are a good way for you to show your abilities in academic terms and ensure you are capable of processing entry level information and tasks.

As an adult looking to go to University, you are definitely going to need the minimum of GCSE English and GCSE Maths. If you are looking to study courses such as Medicine, you’re going to need at least five GCSEs in the core subjects.

Do I need GCSEs to Study A Levels?

The answer to this question is a bit more complicated. If you want to to study A Levels, you don’t need to hold GCSEs, but having them will help. GCSE courses build the foundation understanding of any topic for students. And then A Levels have been developed to build on this knowledge. So if you want your A Levels to be a breeze, then you are best getting a GCSE in the same subject.

It is important to point out here, you don’t have to hold a GCSE in the same subject as the A Level you want to study. But it is an advantage to do so. With universities, they only ask that you hold the core GCSE subjects in order to be accepted onto a Degree course.

Ready to Start your GCSEs again?