What are GCSEs?

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is the UK’s most widely recognised certification for the end of secondary school education. It is often the entry-level requirement to further study, such as A Levels and apprenticeships.

GCSEs are recognised qualifications that are often a gateway to further learning. GCSEs are one of the most popular and sought-after level 2 qualifications in the UK. Core subjects consist of Mathematics, English, and Science, and are key requirements for many jobs and entry to further levels of study.

Here at Open Study College, we offer a wide range of GCSEs to suit your needs and abilities. Our course list covers 17 subjects, including Maths, English, Psychology, and more. These courses are assessed through a series of examinations, with your tutor monitoring your progress and offering guidance as you complete your tutor-marked assignments to ensure you are on the right track. Once you have completed this qualification, the next step can range from A Levels to apprenticeships or employment depending on the route you wish to take and your career plans.

Distance learning GCSEs

At a ‘traditional’ college you will get a timetable and you will attend set classes throughout each term to study your GCSEs. We understand that life today is busy, and that’s why distance learning has become so popular.

With distance learning, you can study the same subjects and qualifications you would in a traditional college, simply from home! It takes the location out of studying. You’ll save time and money on travelling, and if you have other life commitments, such as a full-time or part-time job, or if you have a family to look after, it may help to be able to study at a time that suits you.

There are no physical classes to attend or timetables to stick to. With 24-hour access to your course either online or through a study pack, you can study whenever you have free time (if that’s in the middle of the night, it’s possible!)

GCSE bundles - exams and practicals

In addition to our standard online GCSE courses, we also offer two different types of bundles.

The first is ‘+ exams’. Our courses that state ‘+ exams’ in the title include the cost of your examinations in the course price. We will book and pay for your exams for you, removing some of the stress of studying your GCSEs as an external candidate.

The second option is ‘+ exams + practicals’. For our GCSE courses that require a practical element, the courses titled as ‘+ exams + practicals’ includes the cost of both the exams and practicals you need to sit to complete your GCSE. We will book and pay for your exams and practicals for you, all you need to do is learn your stuff!

Tutor support

When you study your GCSEs with us, you’ll get unlimited, personal tutor support. Your tutor will be on hand to guide you through your course and help with any questions you may have, ensuring you are fully prepared for your examinations. You’ll never be alone. This is just one of the many benefits you’ll get from enrolling with Open Study College.

GCSE grading system

The GCSE grading system has undergone some changes in recent years, so if you’re not familiar with the new system, it’s worth taking some time to get up to speed.

Take a read of our GCSE grading system guide to find out all you need to know.