What is a Study Programme?

College feels very different to school

It’s not the end of the world if your GCSEs didn’t go well. Some very famous people, including Jeremy Clarkson, Simon Cowell and Aitch left school without many qualifications, and they’re doing very well!

GCSEs can be a stepping stone to further education and many careers, but success can also be achieved through practical skills courses, or work experience or volunteering.

GCSE Maths and English are required for some courses and apprenticeships. If you did not pass your maths and/or English GCSE, you may be required to retake them alongside other courses in college or sixth form or as part of an apprenticeship or Study Programme.  For more information:

• find BTEC courses that will take GCSEs with Grade 2 or 3.
• Find an apprenticeship that will include everyday skills in maths and English
• do a study programme (sometimes called a pre-apprenticeship) or ‘work preparation’ course.

Functional skills

Functional Skills are English and maths skills you can use in everyday life and work. They focus on applying these skills in real-life contexts, making them a great option for many people. Functional Skills at Level 2 are equivalent to GCSEs. You can take Functional Skills at sixth forms, colleges or small training centres. You can take functional skills at sixth form or colleges or small training centres.

Don’t feel trapped! Contact us on on dedicated careers helpline to find your future after school, with or without GCSEs - 01785 854125.