The GCSE 2021 summer exams are no longer going ahead and teacher assessed grades have been introduced to provide students in colleges or schools with their final GCSE grade. GCSE grades are vital, especially maths and English. GCSE grades are required when applying for Universities, A levels and employment. For external candidates, so people who are not in mainstream education, the government hasn’t made it certain on how you will obtain these grades. This page should help inform you about teacher assessed grades and other qualifications that you can acquire that are a GCSE equivalent.

Teacher assessed grades for those in schools and colleges

Ongoing work that you are given and any mock exams are going to help with the teacher assessed grades, so carry on with the hard work. You can also support the teacher’s assessed grades with external assessments. The controlled assessments for GCSE maths exams are offered by MME and they will submit your grade to the school or college to help with your teacher assessed grade.

GCSE Exams and GCSE resits

IGCSE qualifications and November GCSE exams in 2021 are still planned to go ahead. MME can book you in as an external candidate, call them on 020 3633 5145 to get more information about the exams. Their website also provides you with information about the GCSE maths retake.

Teacher assessed grades for external candidates

For those who are not in mainstream education, you won’t be getting a teacher assessed grade since you are not connected to a school or college. MME has worked with GCSE examiners to provide a series of assessments which will help you to achieve a GCSE grade. You can book through the link for a GCSE maths controlled assessment.

Alternatives to GCSE exams and teacher assessed grades

When you apply to Universities or employment you will see the phrase ‘Give your GCSE or GCSE equivalent qualifications‘ since there are a number of equivalent qualifications you can acquire. Functional skills is what GCSE equivalent qualifications are normally referred to as. They are equivalent to a grade C/level 4 if you obtain the level 2 functional skills qualification. The following links will provide further information about these qualifications:

Nurses and Trainee Teachers

As well as functional skills, there is a GCSE equivalency test that is common between nursing and teacher courses. SCITT and training courses prefer this qualification when compared to functional skills which is why it is common amongst trainee teachers and nurses. This qualification isn’t accepted universally therefore you should check with the employer or course provider before, but it is accepted by most.