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GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education)

The main qualification taken at the end of Key Stage 4, usually at age 16. In England GCSEs are graded 9 to 1; Wales uses A* to G; Northern Ireland uses a nine-grade A* to G scale that includes C*.

Stands for
General Certificate of Secondary Education
Used in
England, Wales, Northern Ireland
Topic
Qualifications
Official page
gov.uk

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

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GCSE 9 to 1 grading England
The grading scale for reformed GCSEs in England, from 9 (highest) to 1, with U for ungraded. Grade 4 broadly lines up with the bottom of the old grade C and grade 7 with the bottom of the old grade A.
Key Stage 4 (KS4) England Northern Ireland
In England, Years 10 and 11 (ages 14 to 16), when most pupils study for GCSEs. In Northern Ireland, Years 11 and 12.
Level 2 England Wales Northern Ireland
A qualification level that includes GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), intermediate apprenticeships and level 2 functional skills and NVQs.
IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) International England
An international version of the GCSE offered mainly by Cambridge (Cambridge IGCSE) and Pearson Edexcel (International GCSE), widely taken in international and independent schools.

More terms: Qualifications

Extended Project Qualification · FHEQ · Functional skills · Guided learning hours · Higher apprenticeship · Industry placement

More terms starting with G · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class

Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.