Can I still sit GCSEs as an adult?

Posted by ImprovementMother460@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 13 comments

Pretty self explanatory question. I dropped out of secondary school due to personal problems a few years back and only sat my English Literature/Language and Maths GCSEs which I got a pass in. Ever since then I've been out of education and working full time to help support my family because I thought that education was a closed door to me. Recently I have been considering attending a college to sit my A Levels but I am missing 2 GCSEs in order to actually attend the course. Is there any way for me to book a way to sit my GCSEs in my free time? Was anyone else here in a similar situation? I would appreciate any input. Thanks.

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Anxious-News-1734@reddit

I myself haven’t sat them yet, I’m doing them this year, but my dad (M33) failed maths and is doing a retake course. Maybe the solution for your situation would be the same?

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soggy_bellows@reddit

I like how you felt the need to specify your father is male.

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Anxious-News-1734@reddit

HELP IM JUST SO USED TO USING THAT FORMAT CHAT

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PetersMapProject@reddit

Recently I have been considering attending a college to sit my A Levels but I am missing 2 GCSEs in order to actually attend the course.

Have you asked the college?

You'll probably find that either

A) the entry requirements are different for mature students

B) they teach that GCSE course there

C) they don't teach the GCSE course, but if you self teach they'll allow you to sit the exam at the college.

Alternatively, if you're actually looking to do A Levels because you want to go to university, then have a look at the Access to HE course route. It's a one year course designed for people like you who have been out of education for a long time, and it's widely accepted by universities (even Oxbridge!)

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ImprovementMother460@reddit (OP)

Thanks for the reply. I checked with my local college and they sadly do not offer Access to HE at my local campus. I would have to travel a fair distance in order to find a college that does, because I live in the middle of nowhere. :(

I will ask the college about the entry requirements in person though, thank you.

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EllieW47@reddit

It may be more than you need, but look at what the Open University can offer you. Most courses don't have entry requirements and are designed to be mainly done from home.

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Typical_Nebula3227@reddit

You should do the GCSEs at college as well.

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dinkidoo7693@reddit

Yes you can! I redid my English GCSE in 2016 I was bullied at school and my school English teacher said I'd never pass it, as I'd moved classes due to bullying (1999, I got an E). I finally found the courage to go to college and I got a C+ in 2016, I'd even had 6 weeks off the course after an accident breaking my collarbone and having reconstructive surgery.

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