GCSE's
What are they?
The General Certificate of Secondary Education examinations - the most common qualification taken by young people, after a two-year course at school. They can also be taken by anyone at any age and many subjects can be taken as short courses.
Learn More ...
- www.qca.org.uk/qca_6208.aspx
Qualifications and curriculum authority
- www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/index.htm
Official governmental site covering education and learning
- www.aqa.org.uk
Awarding body for A-levels, GCSEs and other exams
- www.edexcel.org.uk/home
Provider of internationally recognised qualifications
- www.ocr.org.uk
Recognised vocationally related qualifications
- www.wjec.co.uk
Welsh Joint Education Committee
- www.sqa.org.uk
Scottish Qualifications Authority
- www.ccea.org.uk
Northern Irish Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment
The number of GCSE entries in 2007 was 5.8 million, nearly 20% were awarded grade A.
Do you have an opinion about any of the issues raised on this website?
67 per cent of employers say school and college leavers do not have the necessary practical skills, despite teachers' support for more practical, hands-on learning. (YouGov survey)
Asking the right questions
Don't take it for granted that this is the right course for you. Try to find out as much as you can about this type of qualification before you sign up.
Make sure you ask the right questions »
textHeading">Making the right decision
Although the course itself is important, the most vital factor is your child - what style of learning suits them best and what will give them the best head start in life.