Enquiry Line Update

IT Services Update - Thursday 28th March 2024
Colchester Institute’s phone system is undergoing maintenance between 12noon and 6pm on Thursday 28th March 2024. This will cause some disruption as staff phone lines may be unable to receive or make any calls throughout this period. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

GCSE English Language

The majority of industries and employers will require applicants to have 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above (or C grade if achieved before 2017).  Therefore, whether you are looking to progress in your chosen career or start on a new path, retaking your English and maths GCSE is an ideal first step.

We offer a GCSE English Language resit course over 32 weeks for those aged 19 and over.  This is a part time course consisting of one 2-hour classroom-based session per week with a subject specialist tutor. Students are then expected to engage in self-study outside of the classroom. If you are over the age of 19 and studying a vocational course on a full-time basis, GCSE maths and English can be studied as part of your study programme*.

Our GCSE English language course develops the core skills required to progress levels of literacy.  Written skills include composition of both creative and transactional writing and development of spelling, punctuation and grammar.  Learners are exposed to a range of varied literary texts and explore the skills of analysis, evaluation and comparison of writer’s methods.

Classroom based study is varied and interesting, including discussion and exploration of text.  Final assessment is 2 written examination papers and a spoken language presentation.

For applicants aged 19 and over, an expectation is that you will possess either Level 1 Functional skills, a grade 3 (D) at GCSE or equivalent, as this is a fast track course.

*If you are aged between 16 and 18 years old you will study English and Maths as part of your main full-time study programme. If, when you enrol, you haven’t yet achieved a grade 4 or above in one or both of these subjects, you will be required to attend 2 hours per week of timetabled GCSE classes. Attendance at these classes are mandatory and you will be working towards GCSE resits and increasing your grades. For more information about study programmes please see our qualification and course levels page.

Course Info
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Entry Requirements

For applicants aged 19 and over, entry is subject to a successful interview and assessment.

The expectation is that you will already possess either Level 1 Functional skills, a grade 3 (D) at GCSE or equivalent, as this is a fast track course.

Functional Skills

In addition to GSCE English and Maths, Colchester Institute also offers City & Guilds Functional Skills Certificate in English or Mathematics at Level 1 and 2.

Functional Skills are designed to help individuals develop their English and/or mathematic skills in order to apply them in employment, academic or everyday life.

For learners who do not posses Level 1 Functional skills, a grade 3 (D) at GCSE or equivalent, our Adult Skills Centres offer City & Guilds Certificates in English or Mathematics.

These qualifications are a good stepping-stone towards the City & Guilds Functional Skills qualifications.

Classes are available for learners aged 19 or over. Learners must show an Interest in improving literacy/numeracy skills and gaining a national Level 2 qualification

To support individuals to successfully complete their English and/or mathematic qualifications we offer functional skills via a number of methods to suit your learning style.

Click here to find out more about our range of English and maths courses

Book a Careers Advice Appointment

If you are aged over 19 and unsure of which level of course is appropriate, or would like further information, then did you know you can book a free National Careers Service Advice & Guidance session!

Free National Careers Advice Sessions

Whatever your situation, we’re here to help you overcome problems and reach your goals. We’ll help you build on your strengths, improve your skills, and find a job or career that matches your skills and personality.

To ask a question or to book your free National Careers Service Advice & Guidance session at a centre near you please contact us via the menu below.

English and maths, up to and including Level 2, will be fully-funded by the UK Government for individuals aged 19 and over, who have not previously achieved a GCSE grade A* – C or grade 4, or higher.

This means you will not have to pay tuition fees if you meet this criteria.

This applies to both GCSE English language or maths and Functional Skills English or maths (from Entry to Level 2)

Learners who want to retake their GCSE English and maths qualification because they did not achieve a grade 4 (C), or higher, will not be funded to only resit the exam.

GCSE English and Maths Application Information

The application window for part-time courses starting in September and October 2024 opens on Wednesday January 3rd 2024, and we start processing applications from this date.

Applications for this course are made via our online application form and you will be able to access it from this course page.

Once you are ready to apply then please click the ‘Apply Online‘ button which will be located in the menu directly underneath this section from Wednesday January 3rd 2024.

Upon successful submission of an application you will receive an acknowledgement email from our Admissions team. If you do not receive this you should contact the team to check that your application has been received.

During the second half of the summer-term (May and June), applicants will start to receive further correspondence from the College about the next stages of the admissions process. These will include details about interviews with the course tutor or any pre-assessments and trades tests.

Once applications are open, if you have any further questions about the application process or next available start date, want to check the progress of your application or if you are unsure about anything please contact us using the enquiry line or enquiry form below.

GCSE English Language
LevelLevel 2
LocationColchester
Duration32 Weeks
Study ModePart-Time
Campus / Adult Skills CentreColchester Campus
Start DateSeptember 2024
ApplicationsApplications for September 2024 are open now
AttendanceOne 2 hour session per week - Day or Evening
Fee(s)19+ Course programme only Free if 9-4 (A* – C) grade not previously achieved

Disclaimer

All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2023-24 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.