Adult GCSE Maths & English Courses

Start Your GCSE Maths or English Journey

Our Adult GCSE Maths and English courses are designed for learners aged 19+ who want to improve their skills, progress in work, or access further study. With a supportive 5‑week GCSE taster course starting in June, adults can build confidence before joining the full GCSE programme in September. Evening class times, brilliant tutors and free places for most learners make this the ideal route back into education.

If you’re thinking about returning to learning, our Adult GCSE Maths and English courses are designed to help you achieve your goals — whether that’s changing career, progressing at work, or supporting your children with their studies.

We offer a 5‑week GCSE Taster in June so you can try the subject, build confidence, meet your tutors, and make sure the full September course is right for you. Perfect if you have been out of education for a while.

Why Choose Our Adult GCSE Courses?

Flexible, adult‑friendly classes
Ideal for work progression or new career pathways
Our pre-GCSE allows you to build confidence before the full course begins
Free for most adult learners

GCSE Taster Courses – Starting June

Our 5‑week taster courses give you an introduction to GCSE Maths or English before the full programme begins in September. You’ll get a feel for the classroom environment, learn the basics, and understand what skills you’ll develop during the full qualification.

What’s included:

Weekly classes with our GCSE tutors
Core Maths and English skills introduction
Confidence‑building tasks
Personal learning plan
Guidance on moving into the September GCSE course

Reserve Your Place on the June Taster

Maths GCSE for adults

When will I study this course?

New students will start in September.

Classes will then run on a Monday evening, 6 – 8:30 pm.

At Cirencester College, Stroud Road Campus.

There is a pre-GCSE taster course that starts in June.

Please note that you will need to allow time for individual study as well.

Who is this course for?

These courses are designed for adult learners aged 19+ who want to improve their Maths skills for work, further study, or personal achievement. They are ideal if you:

Need a GCSE qualification to progress in your career
Want to access higher education, apprenticeships or training
Didn’t achieve the GCSE maths grade you wanted at school
Haven’t studied in a long time and want a supportive, adult‑friendly environment
Want to build confidence before taking a full qualification
Want to support your child’s learning

No recent study experience is required – we specialise in supporting adults returning to learning.

What will you learn?

You’ll develop the essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed in GCSE Maths. This includes:

GCSE Maths

Number skills and calculations
Algebra and problem‑solving
Geometry and measures
Handling data and statistics
Applying maths to real‑life situations

You’ll also build study skills, confidence and exam preparation techniques.

How is the Course Assessed?

This course follows the Pearson Edexcel syllabus with formal national exams.

Assessment follows the standard GCSE format:

GCSE Maths

Three written exams (non‑calculator and calculator) in May and June

Your tutor will guide you through regular practice, mock exams and feedback so you feel fully prepared.

What Does It Lead To?

Achieving a GCSE in Maths opens the door to a wide range of opportunities, including:

Access to higher-level study (e.g. Access to HE, apprenticeships)
Improved job prospects and promotion pathways
Entry into teacher training, nursing, social care and other professions
Greater confidence in everyday life and work

English GCSE for adults

When will I study this course?

New students will start in September.

Classes will then run on a Tuesday evening, 6 – 8:30 pm.

At Cirencester College, Stroud Road Campus.

There is a pre-GCSE taster course that starts in June.

Please note that you will need to allow time for individual study as well.

Who is this course for?

These courses are designed for adult learners aged 19+ who want to improve their English skills for work, further study, or personal achievement. They are ideal if you:

Need a GCSE qualification to progress in your career
Want to access higher education, apprenticeships or training
Didn’t achieve the GCSE maths grade you wanted at school
Haven’t studied in a long time and want a supportive, adult‑friendly environment
Want to build confidence before taking a full qualification
Want to support your child’s learning

No recent study experience is required – we specialise in supporting adults returning to learning.

What will you learn?

You’ll develop the essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed in GCSE English. This includes:

GCSE English

Reading and understanding a range of texts
Writing clearly, accurately and effectively
Speaking and listening skills
Developing confidence with grammar, spelling and punctuation

How is the Course Assessed?

This course follows the WJEC Eduqas English Language syllabus with formal national exams.

Assessment follows the standard GCSE format:

GCSE English

Two written exams at the end of the course in May or June

Your tutor will guide you through regular practice, mock exams and feedback so you feel fully prepared.

What Does It Lead To?

Achieving a GCSE in English opens the door to a wide range of opportunities, including:

Access to higher-level study (e.g. Access to HE, apprenticeships)
Improved job prospects and promotion pathways
Entry into teacher training, nursing, social care and other professions
Greater confidence in everyday life and work

Hear from our students

If you are nervous about coming back to college as an adult student, watch these videos of two of our GCSE students and hear what they have to say about the courses.

Meet Sarah, a previous adult education student at Cirencester College

Meet Liz, a previous adult education student at Cirencester College

Touching words from Kerry, one of our previous adult GCSE students

“After having my children, I decided at 29 it was time to concentrate on something I have wanted to do for a long time (becoming a midwife). But to accomplish this I needed to have a GCSE grade C or above. The thought of doing GCSE Maths again terrified me. But I needed to do it.

I went into my first class and was relieved to see that the class had a wide range of ages from different backgrounds and men and women, all wanting to achieve their math qualifications for different reasons (I was worried it would be a lot of 18-year olds)

Our tutor, from the minute we met, was amazing, she made everyone feel so relaxed and made lessons fun. Never did I think that I would find maths as simple as I did. That is massively because of the tutor and the way she teaches.

I actually enjoyed the lessons and some of maths (algebra still seems nuts to me). They helped me have confidence in my ability with no pressure.

So, if you are thinking of taking the course, but not sure, all I can say is DO IT, it may change your life and make you feel confident that you can achieve whatever you want!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any previous qualifications to join?

No. You don’t need any previous qualifications to join the taster or the full GCSE course. We will assess you when we first meet you, and we’ll help you find the right starting point, even if you haven’t studied for a long time.

Is the course free for adults?

Most adults aged 19+ can study GCSE Maths and English for free, depending on funding eligibility.

English and Maths courses will be fully funded up to and including L2 (GCSE) if you:

Are a permanent resident in the UK
Are aged 19+ on the 31st August, prior to your course start
Do not already hold a C/4 grade in the GCSE subject

What is the 5‑week taster course?

The taster is a short, supportive introduction to GCSE study. It helps you:

Build confidence
Meet our tutors
Understand what GCSE study involves
Decide if you want to join the September course

It’s ideal if you’re nervous, unsure, or returning to education after a break.

Do I have to do the taster to join the September GCSE?

No – the taster is optional. However, it can make a big difference if you want to ease yourself back into learning.

How are the GCSEs assessed?

Assessment is through final exams:

English: 2 written exams
Maths: 3 written exams (calculator and non‑calculator)

Your tutor will support you with revision, practice papers and mock exams.

Are the classes suitable for nervous or returning learners?

Yes. Our classes are designed specifically for adults. Tutors understand the challenges of returning to study and provide a friendly, supportive environment.

What level of commitment is needed?

You’ll attend weekly classes and complete independent study. Your tutor will help you manage your workload – many learners fit study around work and family life.

You will have to be available for the GCSE exams in May/June.

Dates will be confirmed in class