Age 14 - 16

England

General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSEs): English, Maths and Science are compulsory, but Science can be taken as a single award. GCSEs are graded A* - F, with A* – C often required for entry to higher level study.
Key Skills, which include numeracy and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are also normally studied by this age group.

ICT specific

ICT is compulsory until the end of Year 11 i.e. the academic year in which children turn 16. You can study for a Single or Double Award GCSE in ICT and Applied ICT. It is also offered as a GCSE examination.

14-19 Diploma in IT is a new qualification in technology for 14 - 19 year olds. Diplomas will be taught in England from September 2008. They will prepare young people for the world of work and further study.

Wales

The National Curriculum is broadly the same as that in England, with the exception of 14-19 Diploma in IT, which will initially only be available in England. Welsh is mandatory up to age 16 for all school pupils in the Principality.

Northern Ireland

The National Curriculum followed is broadly the same as that in England, with the exception of 14-19 Diploma in IT, which will initially only be available in England.

Scotland

Students take Standard grades (GCSE equivalents) at foundation, general or credit level in their fourth year of secondary school which corresponds to Year 11 in the rest of the UK. Key Skills are known as Core Skills.

Last modified: 05 Jul 2007