What GCSEs Do You Need To Be a Secondary School Teacher?

What GCSEs do you need to become a Secondary Teacher? To become a Secondary school teacher, you’ll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, Maths, and Science. However, requirements can vary between universities and courses. At Pass My GCSE, we can help you get the GCSEs or equivalent qualifications required for your Secondary teacher training.

GCSE Requirements

Secondary Teaching Routes

Book GCSE Exam

Contact Us

What GCSEs do you need to be a Secondary School Teacher?

To become a secondary school teacher, you will need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and Maths. Additionally, you must have a university degree in any subject to teach at the secondary level. Degree requirements can vary depending on the university and course, so it’s advisable to check with your chosen institution or apprenticeship provider.

If you’re worried about not having the necessary GCSEs for secondary teaching, fill in the contact form at the bottom of the page, and our friendly team will offer guidance and support on your available options.

Get Your GCSEs for Secondary Teaching

Can I become a Secondary School Teacher without GCSEs?

If you’re wondering how to get into Secondary Teaching without GCSEs, there is a solution. You typically need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and Maths. Instead of full GCSEs, you can take alternatives like a Functional Skills Level 2 qualification in Maths and English, which is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4/C, along with GCSE Equivalency Tests.
Feature GCSE Functional Skills GCSE Equivalency Tests
Accepted UK Wide Accepted UK Wide
Ofqual Regulated Ofqual Regulated
Suitable For Secondary Teaching Suitable For Secondary Teaching
Can Sit in May or November Can Sit in May or November
Can Sit All Year Round Can Sit All Year Round
Can Take Exam From Home Can Take Exam From Home
Results in 10 Working Days Results in 10 Working Days

Why do you need GCSEs to become a Secondary School Teacher?

GCSEs are generally required for most Secondary Teacher training courses, particularly in Maths and English, as they demonstrate your essential numeracy and literacy skills for the role.

Secondary School Teacher GCSE requirements may vary, but the majority of courses and universities will expect at least a grade 4/C (or equivalent) in Maths and English. Additionally, many institutions also require a Science or Biology GCSE.

Alongside your Maths, English, and Science GCSEs, you may opt for other subjects that interest you. Choosing an essay-based subject such as Economics or History can be advantageous, as it helps to develop your essay-writing skills, which could prove valuable for your degree assignments.

Get Your GCSEs for Secondary Teaching

What Secondary Teaching routes can I take with GCSEs?

To train as a teacher, you’ll need GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or higher in English, Maths, and Science. You’ll also need a university degree or an equivalent qualification to pursue postgraduate teacher training.

If you don’t have a degree, you can enrol in undergraduate teacher training to earn a degree and qualified teacher status (QTS) at the same time. Alternatively, you might be eligible for a teacher degree apprenticeship (TDA).

Some of the Secondary Teaching careers that people who passed their GCSEs go into include:

How do I book my GCSE exams?

Book your Ofqual-regulated GCSE exam with Pass My GCSE today! You can book directly through our website or complete the contact form at the bottom of the page, and we’ll guide you through the process, confirming your booking by the end of the call.

Choose your exam date, exam board, and tier. GCSE Maths and English exams are available in May or November, while Science exams are scheduled for May/June. Our fees cover everything, from booking the exam to finding a local exam centre and getting your certificate.

Get fully prepared with our online courses, offering revision tutorials, practice questions, and mock exams, all with progress tracking to ensure you’re ready to pass.

Get Your GCSEs for Secondary Teaching

Speak to Our Experts

☎️
Speak to our team to find out more about our services, or get booked in for your GCSE exam.

Call us on
020 3633 2975

GCSE Secondary Teaching Support

💻
We will help you choose the right qualification for you, from GCSE exams to Functional Skills.

Call us on
020 3633 2975

GCSEs to be a Secondary Teaching Summary

What are GCSEs?

GCSEs are qualifications in the UK usually taken by students aged 14-16, although many adults resit them to gain entry into secondary teaching courses such as PGCEs or university degrees.

What GCSEs are needed for Secondary Teaching?

For secondary teaching, you typically need at least 5 GCSEs or equivalent at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, Maths, and Science. As a university degree is required to become a secondary teacher, ensure you check the specific entry requirements for your chosen university or course.

Can I become a Secondary Teacher without GCSEs?

Alternatively, you can obtain a functional skills level 2 qualification in Maths and English, which is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4. You could also take GCSE Equivalency Tests, which correspond to higher grades.

Why should I take GCSEs for Secondary Teaching?

Achieving GCSEs in Maths and English demonstrates that you have the necessary numeracy and literacy skills, which are essential for those pursuing a career in secondary teaching. These skills are particularly important, as you will be imparting them to your students.

What Secondary Teaching routes can I take with GCSEs?

To progress into teacher training, you can take A levels, T levels, or a BTEC, followed by a university course. Career opportunities may include becoming a headteacher, teaching abroad, or working as a private tutor, among many other paths.

How do I book my GCSE exam?

To book your GCSE exams, visit Pass My GCSE’s online booking pages or complete the contact form. A member of our team will get in touch to discuss your options and help with the booking process.

Why Choose Pass My GCSE?

SVG

Friendly Support

We provide comprehensive support to ensure you’re fully prepared for your GCSE exams. Our team will assist you in selecting the best options and managing everything leading up to your exams.

SVG

Subject Coverage

Alongside maths, English, and science, we offer GCSEs in a wide range of subjects, including business, history, sociology, and more.

SVG

Accepted Everywhere

GCSEs completed with Pass My GCSE are recognised by all major employers, universities, and apprenticeship providers.

SVG

Lowest Cost Exam

We offer the lowest prices online, delivering exceptional service at unbeatable rates!

SVG

No Hidden Fees

Our pricing is straightforward and transparent, covering all exam centre and exam board fees.

SVG

Unbeatable Service

If you’re aiming for a career as a teacher, we guarantee you won’t find a better service anywhere online.

Get in Touch

Get in touch with one of our friendly team and they will discuss your options and help you to determine what qualifications and subjects are right for you.

  • Call 020 3633 2975
  • Or fill in the contact form

Get in touch