GCSE English Sept 2025

Would you like to gain a GCSE English qualification? At East Durham College, we offer GCSE English courses part-time, with the option to study either during the day or an evening. Both options are usually two and a half hours per week, with the expectation of some independent study. This course is ideally suited to anyone without a grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language.

You will study Eduqas GCSE English Language, with a specification designed to be interesting, accessible, and captivating for all audiences. You will develop your ability to read critically, write coherently, use grammar correctly and expand your vocabulary. For component 1, you will learn how to analyse a piece of 20th Century fiction and write creatively. For component 2, you will learn how to read texts from the 19th Century and compare these with modern day texts. You will also study how to write transactional pieces to suit purpose and audience.

Gaining a grade 4 or above in GCSE English is a stepping stone into many types of education and employment. Many universities require you to have a grade 4 or higher in GCSE English to be accepted onto undergraduate courses. Colleges also now expect a grade 4 as the standard necessary to be enrolled on Level 3 courses. Similarly, many employers now require you to have a minimum of a grade 4 in order to demonstrate you have the necessary reading, writing and communication skills needed in the modern workplace.

Achieving a grade 4 or above in English can help you achieve your personal or career goals, including further study at Level 3, university, employment or promotion.

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, but it is expected that you will be working at a minimum of level 1 in order to maximise your chances of success. To support you in this, we also offer qualifications in Functional Skills English, designed to provide you with the requisite knowledge and skills.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

Assessment for GCSE English Language consists of two written examinations, within which spelling, punctuation and grammar make up 20%. Speaking skills are also assessed, but do not contribute to the overall grade.

September 2025

1 year part-time