GCSE Facts
The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) provide students with a high-quality secondary education foundation which offers progression to A level or UFP.
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Ages:
14+ -
Entry Requirements:
At least 8 years of schooling with a good school record for our two-year programme -
Language Requirements:
IELTS 4.0+ (or equivalent)
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Average class size:
11 -
Hours per week:
30+ -
Course duration:
6 terms (September start)
5 terms (January start)
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International Fees:
£32,985 (per year) -
EU Fees:
£26,985 (per year) -
Domestic Fees:
£18,990 (per year)
Latest stats based on results in 2023
GCSE Overview
Classes are taught by subject specialists who are trained in how to teach students who have English as a second language.
The qualification encourages students to explore their academic potential and discover where their interests lie. The qualification is internationally recognised and is normally obtained after two years study.
GCSE Qualifications in a wide range of subjects
Improved subject knowledge for university preparation programmes
English fluency and proficiency ready for university preparation programmes
Enhanced study skills required to excel in a chosen university preparation programme
Builds personal confidence and independence
Improved collaborative skills
Subject Choices and structure
English, Maths and Science are all compulsory subjects taken as part of a GCSE qualification. Students also must also take three more subjects, one from each block:
September & January Start Subjects
Block A | Block B | Block C |
|---|---|---|
French History Photography | Geography Visual Arts | Business |
“At CATS Cambridge, we identify the potential of every student and work with them to ensure they make the best progress they can make.”
Assistant Principal, Academic
Qadeer Afzal
Questions About GCSE
These programmes let you study a range of subjects that give you a good base knowledge before you go on to study in more detail. GCSEs are the standard route to further study, and ultimately to university, in the UK. All the top universities recognise the programme, and they are even widely recognised internationally by some of the best institutions across the world.
The GCSE programme is one of the ways that you can further your study in the UK and eventually enter university and study for an undergraduate degree. After you have finished GCSE you will normally have two years of high school left.
GCSEs are widely recognised by employers across the world. High grades are a great way for you to show that you can perform consistently and meet high academic standards. You’ll also learn how to study, ready to go on to A level/IB..
Students take a mixture of internal and external examinations. The main external exams take place in the summer term at the end of your GCSE course. To ensure students are well prepared we provide mock exams to aid in exam practice and preparation and to help teachers identify any areas needing improvement. English is also examined and awarded through IGCSE First Language English with an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. Some subjects (such as the sciences) have an element of coursework which is written or practical work completed throughout the year and counts towards the overall grade.
GCSE results are published in June and August. Grades range from 9 (the highest possible grade, equivalent to A*) down to grade 1 and then finally to U (the lowest grade), although a ‘good pass’ is considered anything from 9 to 4.
All Testimonials
- GCSE, University Foundation
- Business, Economics, Accounting
- Queen Mary University
- Business Management
- A level
- Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Russian
- Kings College London
- Maths and Philosophy
- A level
- Mathematics, Physics, Further Mathematics
- University of Cambridge
- Natural Sciences
- A level
- Psychology, Chemistry, Mathematics
- University of St Andrews
- Neuroscience
- University Foundation
- Business, Economics, Accounting
- Queen Mary University of London
- Business Management
- A level
- Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics
- to be confirmed - 2023
