GCSE courses
What are GCSEs?
GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education and is part of the UK’s National Curriculum. They are the first step on your academic journey, before progressing to either A Level or Foundation. With classes based on your interests, you’ll start exploring the subjects and gaining the skills that will help you study at a UK university.
Studying GCSEs at Bellerbys
At Bellerbys, we have a range of GCSE courses so you can find one that suits you – based on your interests, age and academic ability. You’ll be joined by your friendly classmates from around the world, as you work towards your goals together.
Our staff are experts in teaching international students like you, helping you adjust to the UK education system and to enjoy your studies. Our welfare staff are also here to help out, so you have all the support you need to succeed.
Which GCSE course is right for me?
In the UK, GCSEs are typically studied for two years – and you can choose this route at Bellerbys Brighton. Our 2 year programme has a variety of pathways to choose from depending on your interests.
We also know that not every academic journey is the same. This is why we also offer an intensive GCSE programme which lasts for three or four terms. This programme is perfect if you’re starting your studies later than expected or want to quickly advance to further study.
If you're aged 14 or 15 and need to improve your IELTS score before joining the 3-term GCSE, you can join our Pre-GCSE programme for one, two or three terms.
No matter which programme you choose, you’ll benefit from our renowned high quality of education, small class sizes and individual tutor support.
2 Year GCSE Pathway Programme
Students typically study seven subjects with exams taken at the end of two years. You can choose one of five academic pathways depending on your interests and university ambitions. On our 2 year GCSE Pathway Programme you'll develop the language, learning and cultural skills you need to succeed in the highly competitive world of higher education. You'll study in a welcoming environment, alongside students from all over the world.
Join this pathway if you are 14 or 15 years old. To help you get a broad education, we group core subjects into five pathways based on your interest. Choose from the following:
-
Business and Economics Pathway
Business, Chemistry, Economics, English, Information Communication Technology, Mathematics, Physics.
-
Creative Arts Pathway
Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, English, Information Communication Technology, Mathematics.
-
Humanities Pathway
Chemistry, Economics, English, History, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Language, Physics.
-
Science and Engineering Pathway
Biology, Business, Chemistry, English, Geography, Mathematics, Physics.
-
Young Oxbridge Pathway
Biology, Chemistry, English, History, Physics, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Language or Geography.
Enrichment opportunities
You will also be able to participate in our enrichment opportunities. These allow students to continue learning outside of the classroom by joining clubs, playing sports or taking additional lessons in the subjects they love. Enrichment is a great way to broaden your knowledge and prepare for the future.
Where will this programme take me?
By completing the 2 Year GCSE Pathway Programme in your chosen pathway, you can continue your studies with A Level or Foundation programmes in a variety of subjects. These will give you the skills needed to attend well respected universities throughout the UK and rest of the world.
2 Year GCSE key facts
| Age: | 14 to 16 |
| Course length: | Two years |
| Start dates: | September, January*. See term dates |
| English language entry requirements: | IELTS 5.0 (IELTS 5.5 if starting in January) or equivalent |
| Academic entry requirements: |
Year 10: Minimum of 8 years school in your own country. Good grades and excellent academic reference. Year 11: Entry only for students studying GCSE in a British school. |
| Location: | Brighton |
*Admission on a case by case basis
The January 2021 and September 2021 starts have been suspended.
Elijah from China
"Bellerbys is the best place I've ever studied, it's easy to make new friends. There's always someone you can ask for help and they will always look after you."
Elijah from China - Studied GCSE
Joining us?
Find out everything you need to know about your journey to the UK and what to expect when you arrive on campus.
Join us virtually
If you are unable to join us on campus for the start of your programme, you can either start virtually and join us in the UK later, or study full-time from home.
English Language Preparation
If you need to develop your English language skills before starting your A Level, Foundation or International Year 1 programme at Bellerbys, the English Language Preparation Programme can help.
A Levels
A Levels are British qualifications, accepted by all universities in the UK and recognised in the USA and Australia. Students who are with us for five or six terms will typically study up to four A Levels. This gives you a world of choice.
Foundation
A one-year course for international students that builds specialist subject knowledge and language and study skills. It is more focussed than A Levels making it good preparation for university. It is recognised for entry onto a range of degree programmes at more than 70 universities in the UK.