Have you got your GCSE result and it’s not quite what you were expecting? Don’t worry, there are things you can do! learndirect has a couple of options that could mean you are still able to do all the things you wanted to do with your GCSE.
We offer two different English and maths options: Functional Skills and GCSE. Take a look at the table below to see which could be right for you:
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Functional Skills |
GCSE |
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How long will it take? |
Functional Skills should take around 55 hours to complete. If you are able to commit a few hours per day to your course it should be done in 4 to 6 weeks. |
GCSE is quite a long course and will take around a year to complete. |
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When can I sit my exam? |
You can sit your exam any time you like. Functional Skills does not have a set exam period. |
GCSE exams take place every May/June, as well as a November resit series for English Language and maths. If you are starting a course in September, we will be helping you to prepare for exams in the following June or November. |
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What is the exam like? |
The exam is completed online. You can choose to take your exam online at home with remote invigilation or travel to an approved centre. It is best to have a fairly good level of IT knowledge if you are completing Functional Skills. There are three elements to the English exam (reading, writing and speaking and listening) and two papers to the maths exam (a non-calculator paper and a calculator paper). |
All GCSE exams must take place in an approved centre. You will probably complete your exam with others in much the same way that you would have at school. The English exam consists of two written papers plus a speaking and listening component, and three elements to the maths exam (two calculator papers and one non-calculator paper). |
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What can I do with this qualification? |
Functional Skills can be useful if you would like to go into employment. They demonstrate to an employer that you can meet the expected standard of English and maths. Some universities accept Functional Skills qualifications too as a Grade 4/C equivalent, but you would need to check this with the individual university. |
GCSEs are the benchmark qualification for Level 2 in the UK. Gaining a GCSE (Grade 4/C or above) means you are likely to be accepted onto any university course (provided you meet the benchmark qualifications for a particular course). They are also great in the job market as they're instantly recognisable to employers. |
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Can I get help? |
Our Functional Skills and GCSE courses come with different levels of support to help you maximise your learning potential. If you need time with a tutor and would like to complete a mock paper, upgrading to our supported or specialised model could be just what you’re looking for. All our tutors are experts in their subject, so you’ll be in the best place to gain your qualification. |
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Both courses are a great way to get your Level 2 English or maths qualification and will open many doors for you in the future. Functional Skills has helped many learners like you to achieve their goals and has helped people go into work, get promotions and get onto university courses.
Remember, if you want to go to university you will need to check whether they will accept a Functional Skills qualification if this is the course you would like to complete.
Think you’ve decided? Give us a call on 01202 006 464, go to our Functional Skills or GCSE course pages to enrol, or click to download our FREE course brochures below!
