Secondary Qualifications and Exams

GCSEs - General Certificate of Secondary Education

GCSEs are the main qualification students take in Years 10 and 11. Students can take GCSEs in a whole range of subjects. It depends on what's available in individual schools. This includes Maths, English, French and Art to Applied Business, Engineering and Health and Social Care. GCSEs are two year courses. To find out more about GCSEs, please visit the Bright Knowledge website opposite

GCSE's explained

St Helens Secondary Education Booklet

Work related courses (BTEC, OCR, NVQ's)

Work related courses help students to learn more about a particular area of work. They are usually offered by BTEC or OCR examination boards. They are available in subjects such as Applied Science, Engineering, Business and Performing Arts. Students can take these work related courses with their GCSEs.

Diplomas (e.g. StHelens, Carmel College)

Diplomas combine theoretical study with practical activities. They help students develop the skills that employers and universities look for. They are two year courses and are available in a range of subjects.

Specialist industry-led qualifications (eg. St Helens, Carmel College)

University Technical Colleges are for 14 to 19 year olds. They offer a full-time, technically-focused course of study. Some subjects offered are biomedical and environmental science. Entrepreneurial activities and employer-led projects, as well as specific enterprise-focused events, will be part of the specialist industry-led qualifications. Students will still be expected to study GCSE courses. But 40% of the course will focus on the industry-led qualification.