Full-time GCSEs
Join our one-year, full-time GCSE (STEP) programme for 16–19-year-olds
Not everyone can make the best of their GCSEs first time around. The reasons can be numerous but, ultimately, for many of us, it was our first time at taking a high-pressure, timed exam on which your future can depend! If you don’t have the results you think you could have achieved, or just want to improve your grades, we offer one-year, full-time programmes for 16-19-year-olds who want to improve their GCSE grades.
Our STEP GCSE programme is especially for students wishing to retake GCSEs, with grades of mostly 3s. You can choose from several pathways to suit your interests and aspirations and progress to employment, an apprenticeship, or a range of courses, including A Levels.
- Our STEP STEM pathway consists of English, Maths, Combined Science, and Statistics.
- Our STEP Communications pathway consists of English, English Literature, Maths, Citizenship, and Media.
- We also have a STEP-UP programme, consisting of four GCSEs. This is suitable for learners requiring a little more support.
Our brand new STRIVE programme is a new entry point for students with 5 GCSE grade 4s, including English and maths. It is an opportunity to boost grades before A Levels or other level 3 courses. It will comprise mostly GCSEs at higher tier level, with the additional opportunity to experience Level 3 study with an AS Level. This course will equip learners with the academic skills and attributes required for success on a full A Level pathway, T Levels, or other higher-level study.
“To hear ‘this course was designed for students in exactly your situation’ was such a boost. Ellie wants to keep her options open by doing A-levels and now has a clear path forward on a course that does not compromise her needs. The way you laid out how the different options would work and what would fit Ellie best was wonderful, and my wife and I would like to thank you for your advice.” (parent)
- Our STRIVE STEM pathway consists of English, Maths, Combined Science, and Level 3 Core Maths.
- Our STRIVE Communications pathway consists of English, Maths, Psychology, Sociology, and AS Film Studies
Why Activate Learning?
During your studies with us, you’ll learn the skills, knowledge and attributes you need to make a success of your next step, whether that’s university, an apprenticeship or entering work.
- Better choice of university
- Greater earning potential
- Many apprenticeships require good GCSEs
- Broader career choice
- Improve your chances when applying for jobs
- Increase your eligibility for further education
There are many benefits to retaking your GCSEs, such as the minimum entry requirements for most A Levels being five GCSEs at grades 4-9 (A*-C), or that even if you’re looking to move into the world of work, most employers consider good GCSE results as essential. Either way you are competing against a whole country of school leavers every year, so getting the best grade you can will always be worth it.
Every year, hundreds of our students go on to study higher-level programmes at almost 100 top universities across the UK and abroad. Recently, this has included many of the world-class Russell Group’s 24 universities, such as Oxford, Newcastle University and King’s College, London.
Did you know we also offer part-time and online GCSE courses for adults? Visit our Adult Education website for more information
Courses available
Within our full-time GCSEs offer, you can choose between two pathways:
- STEP STEM (English, Maths, Combined Science and Statistics)
- STEP Communications (English, Maths, English Literature, Media, Citizenship)
