Can I Take GCSEs as an Adult? Full Guide for Mature Students

Adults can take GCSEs too! Though the typical age for GCSEs in the UK is 16, there are no age restrictions to sit them, and it does not matter if you are doing it for the first time or retaking them for better grades. The only issue mature students can face is that not all schools accept them. Fortunately, there are other alternatives, such as enrolling in an online academy that prepares you for exams and helps you find an exam centre that allocates private students. It is never too late for GCSEs!

How to sit GCSEs as a mature student (step-by-step)

1. Self-assessment

The first thing to consider is what GCSE subjects you want to take. Are you looking to change jobs? Do you want to enter university? Is it just a personal interest? Based on these questions, you will be able to determine how many subjects you need to study and which ones.

2. Research requirements

Not all schools allow private candidates to enrol in preparation courses. The same happens with exam centres. Then, you may ask yourself, “how do I register for GCSEs as a private candidate?” We suggest researching local schools and their requirements to find the right one. You can also consider enrolling on private adult GCSE courses online, which usually don’t pose obstacles for private students.

3. Select GCSE subjects

If you want to access a specific career path, we recommend researching the prerequisites to enter your desired university. If not, you can focus on the most common subjects taken by students, called “facilitating subjects” which are accepted by most universities and provide you with a set of general skills that you will find useful for life.

4. Choose where to study

Students can choose different alternatives for places to study. The most typical is attending your local night school, where adults can take classes after children have finished their school day. Another option is enrolling in sixth forms or colleges, which are more specialised institutions designed to prepare students for GCSEs and A-levels. And the most innovative option is taking online GCSE courses through private academies. These can be the best option for adult students due to the flexibility they offer.

5. Enrol in a GCSE course

Once you've chosen your subjects and study method, enrollment is straightforward. For online platforms like CloudLearn, simply visit the website, select your GCSE subjects, and complete the enrollment form. You'll have flexible payment options, including upfront payment or interest-free monthly instalments spread over 6-48 months. Upon enrollment, you'll be assigned a dedicated tutor and receive immediate 24/7 access to all course materials through the online learning platform.

6. Time management and regular revisions

Adults have far more responsibilities than high school students, and framing their curriculum can be difficult. Therefore, selecting the correct methodology can be crucial to success when studying for GCSEs. To achieve the right work-life-study balance, online courses are probably the best alternative, as they allow students to create their own study schedules, learn at their own pace (whether they want to fast-track GCSEs or take their time), and receive tutor support when necessary. Additionally, it can be a good option for those adult students who fear rejection when sitting in a classroom full of teenagers.

7. Select an exam centre

The bureaucratic part of taking GCSE exams can be tricky when you do it as an adult, as you need to enrol as a private candidate. In most cases, students must manage this stage on their own and may sometimes find it challenging due to the centre’s regulations. If you enrol with CloudLearn, all you need to do is contact your student advisor, find the closest exam centre on our “Find a GCSE exam centre near me” site, and fill in the forms we send you. We help you skip the hassle.

8. Seek support

Don't navigate your GCSE journey alone. Take advantage of unlimited tutor support included in your course fee - your assigned tutor is available for clarification, study guidance, and motivation whenever needed. Connect with other adult learners through online forums and study groups to share experiences and offer mutual support. Inform your family and friends about your goals so they understand your study commitments, and consider consulting career counsellors about how these qualifications will benefit your professional development.

9. Keep organised and motivated

Staying organised and motivated is crucial for adult learners juggling multiple responsibilities.

Create a Dedicated Study Space: Even if it's just a corner of your living room, having a designated study area helps you get into the right mindset and reduces distractions.

Set Realistic Goals: Break down your studies into manageable chunks. Rather than thinking, "I need to complete my GCSE," focus on smaller objectives, such as "complete chapter 3 this week" or "practice 5 past paper questions today."

Track Your Progress: Use a study planner or digital calendar to track completed topics and upcoming deadlines. Seeing your progress visually can be incredibly motivating.

Reward Yourself: Celebrate small victories along the way. Completed a difficult chapter? Treat yourself to something you enjoy. This positive reinforcement helps maintain motivation during challenging periods.

Stay Connected to Your 'Why': Remind yourself regularly why you're taking these GCSEs. Whether it's for career advancement, university entry, or personal achievement, keeping your end goal in mind will help you push through difficult moments.

Use Flexibility to Your Advantage: Online learning enables you to study at your most alert and focused times. If you're a morning person, tackle complex concepts early. If evenings work better for you, adjust your schedule accordingly.

Is it worth doing GCSEs as an adult?

Absolutely yes! GCSEs are of utmost importance for entering universities, apprenticeships, and many job positions, even if you don’t go through higher education. That’s why, if you couldn’t sit your GCSEs at the end of secondary school or didn’t get the grades you were expecting, it is always a good idea to give it another chance later in life. Retrying GCSEs as a mature student can help you start new career paths, as these will provide you with the necessary certifications and knowledge for a job or a university course in a new area.

Benefits of taking GCSEs as an adult

GCSEs are beneficial for your professional and academic development regardless of the age at which you take them. Although the ideal scenario might be sitting for them at 18 years old, after finishing high school, taking them at an adult age can bring about the same benefits and sometimes be even easier to achieve.

Personal development and achievement

Many students say that, after having sat for GCSEs at a mature age, they feel more content with their results. In terms of motivation, achieving higher grades than you did the first time can be very rewarding, and encourages students to take on a career path in further education.

Career advancement opportunities

GCSEs can open doors to further career opportunities. To evaluate your knowledge in certain areas, employers can take your GCSE grades as a reference, and they may request this qualification as a prerequisite for getting a job or even a promotion within your company.

Broadening knowledge and skill sets

Of course, GCSEs are not only a certificate to show at universities and companies, but they are also proof of your knowledge in certain areas. Taking GCSE courses will actually provide you with knowledge and skills related to the subjects you have studied.

Is GCSE English hard for adults? Challenges and considerations

Balancing work, family, and studies

One of the most considerable difficulties of studying in adulthood is fitting the study schedule into one’s busy life. In this matter, studying online allows you to create your study plan, distributing your hours throughout the week as you see fit. We recommend planning the days and times you will dedicate to studying to develop a routine, as if you were attending school in person. This way, you will make sure you don’t fall behind with content and have no distractions while studying.

Financial considerations

Taking GCSEs at the end of high school is free for most students; however, private candidates are required to pay course and exam fees. At CloudLearn, we know that this can be a downside for many. That’s why we facilitate different payment options to make your financing easier. Pay in monthly instalments throughout the course and get discounts for enrolling on bulk. Visit our website to learn more about our seasonal promotions.

We have also prepared a guide on the cost of GCSEs to provide you with all the necessary information on this sensitive issue.

Overcoming potential self-doubt and shame

Taking GCSE exams as an adult is not something to be embarrassed about, but rather something to be proud of. Recognising this and striving to improve your professional future is a commendable task, and shame should not stop you. Keep in mind your future goals and take the steps needed to achieve them.

Trying to do it all by yourself

Returning to education after a long time can be challenging, as it involves establishing new routines, managing frustration, and retraining your brain to acquire new knowledge. Although many students decide to study independently, often due to the shame they may feel about taking GCSE classes, we highly recommend getting in touch with professionals who can help you along the way, both with academic content and your revamped student life.

Where to do GCSEs for adults? Ensure success in your GCSEs with CloudLearn

There are many reasons why adults may want to take GCSE exams, either for the first time or the second, including labour requirements, interest in further education, or personal preference. Although the process of returning to education after a long absence can be challenging, new alternatives offer flexible options that adult students can utilise. Enrol in CloudLearn’s online courses to benefit from studying at your own pace, creating your study schedules, accessing 1-to-1 tutoring sessions, and carrying your materials with you everywhere you go. Go for the GCSE qualifications you need to open the doors to an improved professional future. Contact us now.