There are no formal entry requirements, but you will complete an assessment at enrolment to make sure this is the right course for you.

GCSE English Language will take you 26 weeks to complete, starting in September 2025, 6:00pm – 8:30pm. You will attend college at our Boston Campus (Rochford).

This course is free for those who do not currently hold a GCSE at grade A* - C (New GCSE grade 4 or above).

If you do not fall into any of these categories ple

For most people the course is free although there could be a charge dependent on your eligibility for funding, which might depend on visas and residency.

Fees may vary depending on personal circumstances, please enquire for further information.

Please note that all fees are subject to change.

There are two written exams, which are usually held in the first and second weeks of June. You must be available to take these exams. The exams are split equally between reading and writing tasks.

You can achieve a grade 1-9, with a grade 4 being the grade that is required by employers or to progress in education.

Each exam lasts for 1 hour and 55 minutes and is worth 50% of the total marks available.

There is also a small Speaking and Listening element to the qualification. To achieve this, you will need to deliver a presentation lasting about five minutes on a topic of your choice.

GCSE English is a basic requirement for most areas of employment. Some professions such as nursing, social work and certain roles in the emergency services require a GCSE English Language grade. However, check the entry requirements for your chosen course of study or profession to make sure a GCSE is the qualification that you need. Functional Skills English is widely accepted.