Why You Should Retake Maths GCSE as an Adult

Love it or hate it, Maths is an important subject. It fuels many of our daily tasks, from working out our finances to figuring out how much we should tip in a restaurant. What’s more, this skill can help you land countless jobs.

If you failed your Maths GCSE in secondary school, don’t panic. You can retake adult GCSE courses, and in this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about how to resit the qualification.

Did you miss out on the right grade when you took your Maths GCSE? Aside from being disappointing, this can also limit your choices when it comes to your career. Many modern-day employers will expect you to have Maths, Science, and English GCSE qualifications as standard. Without all of the above, you could be at a disadvantage. 

It doesn’t end there. Without GCSE Maths, you may find it hard to perform well in certain roles. Everything from business administration to receptionist work will benefit from maths skills. Fortunately, you can retake your Maths GCSE qualification whenever you please. If you’re looking for a way to supercharge your career and get ahead in the working world, taking this step could make a difference. You have plenty of options at your fingertips.

Failing your Maths GCSE may feel like the end of the world. However, you’re not alone in your plight. The truth of the matter is that this qualification can be extremely tricky, especially for 16-year-olds. In 2022, a third of UK students failed to pass their GCSE Maths qualification. That may have meant that they could not progress to sixth form or college and had to resit the exam at a later date. 

There could be a whole host of reasons that you didn’t pass your exam. You may have had things going on at home, struggled to grasp the course materials, or just had a bad day. Whatever the reason, it’s important not to beat yourself up about it. Luckily enough, you still have time to hone your Maths skills and gain the GCSE grade that you want.

So, can you do a GCSE at any age? The answer is yes. There is no age limit on when you can resit your Maths GCSE. Whether you’re 16 years old or 65 years old, you can take an online course as a private candidate.

Gaining a grade C or above in your GCSE opens countless doors. You may be looking to take further education courses, land that dream job, or take an apprenticeship. However, the sooner you decide to retake this qualification, the sooner you can start using it.

Do you need help finding GCSE Maths courses for adults? If you want to resit your Maths GCSE qualification, there are a few options. You can retake the course through your secondary school or take an online GCSE course.

Keep in mind that you will need to do a great deal of independent study, whatever path you choose. For that reason, you should be self-motivated and willing to learn. You can buy the course materials you need and book your exam through an online education provider. 

Should you go down the online course route, you can choose to take either foundation mathematics or higher mathematics as a GCSE. You can enrol in these GCSE courses time, and the learning takes place virtually, so you can fit your course around your existing schedule. 

Throughout the length of your online course, you will get additional support from tutors online, assignment marking and feedback.

When you’re retaking your Maths GCSE, you’ll want to revise and revisit topic areas that were covered the first time you sat your Maths GCSE and gain an understanding of the theory surrounding it. If you took your Maths GCSE some time ago, you might need to familiarise yourself with new subject matter that may have been added to the curriculum during that time period.

For each of the GCSE qualifications, you will need to take three written examinations. Taking the time to prepare in advance will be essential to your success.

You can expect to cover a range of subjects, including graphs, triangles, probability, transformations, ratios, statistics, and sequences. 

If you’re aiming to pass the first time when you retake your Maths GCSE, taking a Maths GCSE online course can give you the relevant skills and knowledge you’ll need to achieve that goal.

Ready to grab your pen and paper and get studying? If you’re still unsure about taking on a Maths GCSE course, keep reading to find out some convincing reasons to start one. 

Robbie Bryant, Head of Education & Development at Open Study College, walked us through some of the key ways in which adults can benefit from taking a Maths GCSE course:

If you’re hoping to enrol in A-level courses at a sixth form, you may need to have a grade C in Maths first. Don’t panic if you didn’t get this grade the first time around. You can resit your GCSE exams to get the grades that you need to move forward in your education. Robbie explains how a qualification in Maths GCSE can drive your career forward.

“Whether you aspire to pursue higher education, explore new career paths, or simply enhance your everyday problem-solving skills, the knowledge gained from a Maths GCSE is vital for personal and professional growth. And it’s never too late!” He points out, “Contrary to popular belief, GCSEs are not only for secondary school learners. Just last year, Open Study College provided valuable support and guidance to hundreds of students aged 18 or over in their pursuit of retaking Maths GCSE.”

Enhancing your Maths skills is a huge benefit. When you’re studying, you could get extra support from teachers, tutors, or online experts. Robbie gave an overview of how knowledge of Maths can help you professionally and personally. 

“Maths also enhances your personal life, providing you with problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and a quantitative perspective that is beneficial in various aspects of everyday tasks.” He said, “You may not think too much of it, but mathematics is an invaluable skill for a well-organised life, allowing you to manage your finances effectively, create personal budgets, and even help you to adjust ingredients when cooking or track exercise activity.”

As we’ve already covered, many recruiters will require you to have a decent grasp of Maths. When you retake your Maths GCSE, it shows that you are serious about your career and your future. Learners of all ages could benefit from this savvy move, and Robbie explained some of the ways in which it could have an immediate impact on your working life.

“Maths is a fundamental subject that underpins many areas of study and work, including science, engineering, finance, and technology, which is why it is so highly valued by employers across many industries.” Robbie said, “By studying Maths as an adult, you can expand your career options and increase your competitiveness in the job market.”

Taking some time to hear people’s stories online or in-person about their experiences with clearing courses can be very comforting. Knowing that there can be a positive solution and hearing from people who have come out the other side can boost your confidence and wellbeing significantly. Robbie points out that taking a Maths GCSE course as an adult is a common and rewarding endeavour.

“Developing your Maths skills as an adult through a GCSE course can also provide a sense of empowerment, allowing you to conquer a subject that may have been challenging in the past, dispelling any previous negative experiences.” Robbie explains, “With a growing number of online GCSE qualifications, it’s also never been easier to study the subject from home, fitting it around work and life commitments.”