How to pass maths GCSE as an adult
There is no age limit to retaking or taking Maths GCSE for the first time. Taking GCSEs as an adult is an excellent way to improve your job prospects and access further higher education. Here's how to pass Maths GCSE as an adult.
Understand the exam and grading structure
GCSE Maths in the UK is divided into two main tiers:
Foundation: Covers grades 1-5 (lowest to mid-level).Higher: Covers grades 4-9 (mid-level to top-level, but with more complex content).
If you're aiming for a specific grade, make sure you know whether you're entering the Foundation or Higher tier. Higher-tier exams will include more difficult questions, while Foundation is more suited for those aiming for grades 4 or 5.
The grade boundaries changed in 2017 from A to E to:
9: The highest grade, representing exceptional performance.
8: Considered exceptional, equivalent to an A* in the old system.
7-6: Equivalent to an A in the old system, representing strong performance.
5-4: Equivalent to a C in the old system, representing a good performance standard.
3-2: Equivalent to a D-E in the old system, representing a pass but with some room for improvement
1: The lowest grade represents a fail.
While the percentage for a particular grade varies yearly and subject to subject, the examining boards generally have rough percentages that align with grades. For example, a score of 70% will usually get you a grade of 7 or 8 at GCSE, depending on the subject and your exam board's grade boundaries for that year.
Choose an exam centre and an examination board
First, choose how you will take your maths GCSE. You can attend an Adult Learning Centre, a local college, night school, work online, or use a private tutor. Online courses are often the most flexible option, allowing adults to study around their existing commitments and utilise a tutor if needed.
The next step is to look at all the multiple exam boards for GCSE Maths in the UK, such as:
Each exam board has a slightly different syllabus, so look at all of them and choose which board you want to sit your exam with so you can follow the correct topics and past papers. You can find syllabi and exam resources on each exam board's website.
Choosing the right GCSE exam board is an important step in your exam preparation. Key factors to consider include the structure of the syllabus, available resources, past papers, and the exam centre you're working with. Some centres only offer specific exam boards, which may help narrow your options.
Assess your current maths level
Start by determining where you are currently. If you've been out of education for a while, take a practice test to see which areas you're strong in and which need more attention. Understanding your baseline will help you focus on areas that need improvement.
A test on an online site like the Khan Academy can help you determine where you are on the maths scale. A tutor or a placement test at a local college can also help you with this. Knowing where you are at your current level will help determine your next steps.
Consider your study options
As an adult learner, you have a few study options:
Adult Education Centre/College. Many colleges offer adult GCSE courses. These include evening or weekend classes that fit around your work schedule. Some even provide online GCSE courses.
Online courses at websites like Khan Academy, BBC Bitesize and platforms like GCSEPod provide free resources and structured lessons for all levels of GCSE Maths.
For more tailored help, a tutor is a good investment. You can find tutors who specialise in adult learning and can focus on the areas you need.
If you prefer to study independently, you can find textbooks, revision guides, practice papers at various levels, answers, and notes.
Make a study plan
The time it takes to complete a GCSE course varies depending on the course, your current level of knowledge and the study pace you can work with. However, GCSE courses for adults typically take six to twelve months to complete.
Costs can also vary depending on the exam centre, tutor, and course. You can expect to pay around £100 to £200 per subject for the exam entry fee, plus an administration fee.
Once you have decided on the above, creating a study timetable that suits your schedule is vital.
Aim to:
Dedicate time each day or several times a week to study.
Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks (e.g., focus on one topic at a time).
Regularly assess your progress with practice questions or tests.
Book your exam
Once you feel ready, you need to register for the exam. Most adult learners sit their GCSE exams at local exam centres, including adult education centres, colleges, or even some secondary schools. Check the exam registration deadlines to take the GCSE in June 2025. This year's deadlines are February and March (with late fees for entry charged from April to June).