Overview
Anyone who requires a Grade 4 or above for English Language GCSE. Having this qualification can help you enhance your career prospects, provide you with access to further education, help you support your family with their English skills or improve your skills for personal reasons.
You will develop your skills and understanding in interpreting real world, contemporary and relatable modern texts; clear communication; accurate and effective skills-based writing; and the use of a wide variety of vocabulary, correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. Our curriculum follows the latest GCSE grading system from 1 to 9.
Our classes are small and welcoming, you will work with others and on your own. You will be taught by supportive and friendly tutors who provide lots of practical help and guidance. The course is usually free of charge and available online across Devon during the daytime or in evenings, so you can fit study around your own requirements.
Entry requirements
This course is free*. To enrol on this course, you will first need to talk to one of our friendly Learning Advisers. They will arrange a meeting and give you some simple tasks to carry out to make sure that this is the right course for you and that this is the correct class for your skill level. To make an appointment with our team please contact your local Learn Devon centre.
Assessment criteria
The examination dates for Spring 2026 are 21.05.26 and 05.06.26 As these are national exams, the dates given by your tutor will be the only dates available to sit them. All exams will be held at your nearest venue and under exam conditions. The spoken language element is assessed online by your tutor during your course.
What do I need?
*This course is free if you do not have a GCSE English qualification or are looking to improve a D (3) grade equivalent or below. To improve grades of C (4) or higher the course needs to be self-funded. To enrol on this course, you will first need to meet with one of our friendly Learning Advisers. Through a skills check they will ensure this is the right course for you. To make an appointment with our team please contact your local Learn Devon centre.
As this course is online, you will need a good internet connection and a laptop or tablet to access it. To accompany the course, we would suggest you purchase your own copy of the Pearsons Edexcel GCSE 1-9 English Language 2.0 Revision Guide and Workbook ISBN 978-1-292-42765-2 and Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Language 2.0 ISBN 978-1-292-74288-5 at a cost of approx £9.99 from most bookshops and online sites.
You will need a pen, pencil and a notebook. It is essential that you can commit to weekly attendance as well as completing weekly homework. Homework will be used to practice and check your understanding of topics covered and provide feedback on your progress. It is crucial that you can commit to completing this each week as well as any missed sessions. Your first four sessions will determine whether you continue with the GCSE or move on to a Functional Skills qualification.
What can I do next?
Your next step could be a higher level English qualification with another provider, or other formal learning such as higher education access courses. Learn Devon are also able to offer courses in Essential Digital Skills, Maths and Skills & Development.
