What GCSEs Do You Need To Be a Secondary School Teacher?
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What GCSEs do you need to be a secondary school teacher?
To train as a secondary school teacher, you usually need GCSE English and maths at grade 4/C or above. GCSE science may also be required, depending on the subject you plan to teach.
Some training providers accept Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths as an alternative to GCSEs, but requirements vary by subject and route. When asking what GCSEs do you need to be a secondary school teacher, always check entry criteria for your chosen secondary teaching programme.
Can I become a secondary school teacher without GCSEs?
If you’re looking to become a secondary school teacher without GCSEs, you may still have options, depending on the subject you want to teach. Most training routes require GCSE English and maths, and science may also be needed for certain subjects.
In some cases, Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths are accepted as an alternative, but requirements vary by subject and provider. It’s important to check the entry criteria for your chosen secondary teacher training route carefully when researching what GCSEs do you need to be a secondary school teacher.
| Feature | GCSE | Functional Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted UK Wide Accepted UK Wide | ||
| Ofqual Regulated Ofqual Regulated | ||
| Suitable for Teaching Suitable for Teaching | ||
| Can Sit in May or Nov Can Sit in May or Nov | ||
| Can Sit All Year Round Can Sit All Year Round | ||
| Can Take Exam From Home Can Take Exam From Home | ||
| Results in 10 Working Days Results in 10 Working Days |
Why do you need GCSEs to become a secondary school teacher?
GCSEs are required for most secondary teacher training courses because they show that you have the core academic skills needed to teach at subject level. English and maths are essential, as secondary teachers must communicate clearly, assess written work accurately, and support numeracy across the curriculum.
Depending on the subject you wish to teach, additional GCSEs may be required, particularly science for science teachers. These subjects help demonstrate your subject knowledge and your ability to study and teach your chosen specialism effectively.
Alongside GCSE English and GCSE maths, studying subjects related to your future teaching area can be helpful. Essay-based subjects such as History or Geography, or analytical subjects like Maths or Science, can support the skills needed during teacher training.
What teaching routes can I take with GCSEs?
If you achieve GCSEs in English and maths, there are several routes into secondary teaching. You could progress through A levels, BTECs or T Levels in your chosen subject before completing a degree and teacher training, such as a PGCE or school-led route.
Some of the secondary education roles that people with these GCSEs often go on to include:
How do I book my GCSE exams?
Book your Ofqual-regulated GCSE exams to support your route into secondary teacher training with our team at Pass GCSE. You can book online through our exam booking pages or complete the contact form at the bottom of the page, and our team will guide you through the process and confirm your booking during a follow-up call.
You can choose your preferred exam date, exam board and tier. GCSE Maths and English exams are available in May or November, while GCSE Science exams take place in the May/June series each year for learners planning to teach science. Our prices include a full service, covering exam entry, finding a local exam centre and issuing your certificate.
If you are looking to book Functional Skills exams instead of GCSEs, these are available through Pass Functional Skills. You can book directly online using the links below:
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GCSEs to be a Secondary School Teacher Summary
What GCSEs do you need to become a secondary school teacher?
Most secondary teacher training routes require GCSE English and maths at grade 4/C or above. What GCSEs do you need to be a secondary school teacher will depend on the subject you want to teach.
Do you need GCSE Science to be a secondary school teacher?
GCSE Science is not always required, but it is usually needed if you plan to teach a science subject such as Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Pass GCSE offer a comprehensive, exam-board-specific GCSE Science course which can support you through your qualification.
Are Functional Skills accepted for secondary teaching?
Some training providers accept Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths as an alternative to GCSEs, although acceptance can vary depending on the teaching subject and route.
Can I become a secondary school teacher without GCSEs?
In most cases, you will need to gain GCSEs or accepted equivalents before starting teacher training. Functional Skills may be accepted for some routes, depending on the provider. If you are concerned about taking exams at a later stage of life, there is no need to worry – you can take adult GCSE exams with Pass GCSE.
Do I need a degree to become a secondary school teacher?
To become a qualified secondary school teacher in England, you must complete a degree and a recognised teacher training programme, such as a PGCE or school-led route.
Can Pass help me book GCSE or Functional Skills exams?
Yes. Pass GCSE can help you book GCSE exams, including exam entry and finding a local exam centre. Functional Skills exams can be booked online through Pass Functional Skills, with full support available.
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Get in touch with one of our friendly team and they will discuss your options and help you to determine what qualifications and subjects are right for you.
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