GCSEs

During academic year 2019-20, our learners achieved the highest pass rate for English & Maths GCSEs in Essex (adult education public funded providers). Be part of the success next year and enrol on one of our courses. We offer a range of e-learning, distance learning, intensive and fast-track courses for you to choose from.

 

Our year-long GCSE courses will be available again from September 2023 and assessments for some courses are available now.

Students studying for their GCSEs

Courses

Courses are delivered face to face in classrooms at varying locations across Essex, in addition to hybrid and online learning environments.

These fast paced courses will enable you to achieve a GCSE in your chosen subject. It will support you to improve your career prospects and also allow you to build up your own personal skills. It will give you the opportunity to move on to further study, such as Access or university courses.

English & Maths GCSEs are FREE to those who do not currently hold a grade C or 4 (or above) in this subject.

Video presentation webinar – English

Get back into work

These FREE online workshops will help you to improve your employment prospects to get back into work or move into a new job opportunity. We will support you to achieve your career goals.

  • How do I get a job in a changing world?
  • Get to grips with modern recruitment practices
  • Now let’s get the job

View more and enrol

English & Maths GCSE results banner

GCSE Results

The national league tables for GCSEs were released in April 2020 and ACL Essex celebrated another year of outstanding results. We are delighted to announce we have topped the national and countywide league tables in several categories for academic year 2018/19.

  • ACL Essex had the highest number of Grade 9 – 4 Maths GCSEs in the country out of all adult education public funded providers.
  • ACL Essex ranked 3rd for grade 9 – 4 English GCSEs in the country out of all adult education public funded providers.
  • ACL Essex had the highest overall GCSE pass rate in Essex (Maths: 98.6%, English: 97.2%) out of all adult education public funded providers.
  • ACL Essex had the highest GCSE grade 9 – 4 pass rate in Essex (Maths: 70%, English: 83%) out of all adult education public funded providers.
  • ACL Essex are the only Essex adult education public funded provider to teach and offer the Higher Maths GCSE.

The data is published on gov.uk at the beginning of April every year for the previous academic year. For the full report & article, click here.

Nurse comforts elderly woman - GCSEs

Testimonials

I’m originally from India and moved here 14 years ago. Whilst my kids were growing up I volunteered in schools. In order to progress to other roles I knew I needed to get GCSEs in English and maths. I have today achieved a grade 9 in my English exam which I am over the moon about. ACL provided me with the opportunity to work around my family life and I have never had such a good tutor in all my life – amazing! I had no idea that I would get the highest possible grade, I am an introvert by nature so this is just such a shock for me. I would advise anyone who is thinking about learning with ACL to do it today! I am now all ready to start my GCSE maths course this year.

Monika, ACL Colchester

I am about to start a teacher training course at Moulsham High School teaching Computer Science. I was all set to follow my dream of becoming a teacher but realised that I was lacking a GCSE pass in English. I heard about ACL and was able to enrol on the course easily. Angela, our teacher was amazing and really effective and as a result I have today received a grade 7 – hurray! I would advise anyone that needs a GCSE to think about ACL, very professional and we all worked as a team in class.

Nick, ACL Colchester

My tutor (Kata) was incredibly committed to make sure we still had the best learning experience we could get giving the circumstance. I am truly grateful for all her effort she put in to allow me to still excel in the subject and not fall behind in any way at all.

Apart from seeing each other faces, I think it worked as well as the class based courses. I have actually found more benefits to online courses: no need to put make-up on, no money/time spent on transport, hot coffee on the table during the lessons. Personally I think that lots of people don’t come to the college because of the transport situation, these on-line courses will make their life easier ( I have a colleague form my english course who used to pay £10 for taxi to come to college).

I didn’t achieve much at school in the 80s and wrote myself off as incapable of understanding Maths and Science. I signed up for my GCSEs with ACL in my early 40s, not expecting much, and got A across the board in Maths, Science, English and Psychology. It ignited my passion for learning and the tutors gave me so much confidence that I went on to sign up for a degree studying psychology and mental health. I completed the degree this year and have the grades needed to achieve a first class honours degree. Believe in yourself, put the hard work in and anything is possible

Since starting this course I have gained the love of reading. Before I started this course the last time I read a book was around 15 years ago. Since October, I have read 4 books! Angela is a great tutor. I listened to her and understand the importance of reading to help support you whilst completing this course and beyond.

I have also learnt a wide range of language devices. This has enabled me to improve me writing. I have crafted some good pieces of writing that I am proud of (and Angela, she has told me).

I know that this term Angela has explained that I need to continue to learn and use more language devices. Continue to expand my use of ambitious vocabulary and to vary the punctuation I use.

Woman booting up a laptop

Help Hub

We are currently working on putting all the support you need during your studies in one place. This will be linked soon.

Get in Touch

Before you can enrol on an GCSE course, we will meet with you to complete an assessment and discuss which course is most suitable. Assessments can be booked by calling 0345 603 7635.

Further details, including course information sheets, are available through the full list of GCSE courses.

We are happy to provide you with more information before you make a decision. Fill out the contact form below and one of our tutors will get back to you.