GCSE -  Key Stage 4

What Are GCSEs?

GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are qualifications you’ll usually take in Years 10 and 11. The Key Stage 4 curriculum runs on a two-week cycle with 50 1-hour lessons.

You’ll study a mix of:

Core subjects and optional subjects.

Core Subjects

The core studies curriculum Offer is set for all students. The Buckingham School core offer comprises:

• English Language GCSE (8 lessons split between English Language and English Literature)
• English Literature GCSE
• Mathematics GCSE (7 lessons)
• Science (Separate Sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physics) 3 GCSEs (9 lessons)
• PE for health and fitness (4 lessons)
• Personal Development (PSHE) (1 lesson)
• Philosophy and Ethics (1 lesson)

Tutor time will be used to enhance the key elements of SMSC, Personal Development (PSHE),

Philosophy & Ethics, British Values and Citizenship.

Options Subjects

Options include a range of GCSE and Vocational qualifications. Vocational qualifications are BTEC Level 2 qualifications that are equivalent to GCSE. BTEC qualifications are more vocationally linked and assessed through a portfolio of evidence, in addition to an external examination. These also include hands-on and practical skills development, alongside theory and classroom learning.

Optional GCSE Subjects

The following GCSE subjects are available through the Options.

Optional Vocational Subjects

• ASDAN
• Construction BTEC
• Health & Social Care BTEC
• Sport, Fitness & Activity BTEC

The English Baccalaureate

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is not a qualification in itself. It is awarded to students who have achieved a grade 4 (old grade C) or above in:

• English
• Mathematics
• At least two Sciences (which can include Computer Science)
• A Modern Foreign Language – French or Spanish
• Geography or History

Success in Ebacc subjects can lead to taking these subjects Post 16, where they are seen as facilitating subjects. These subjects are highly recognised at top universities, especially those in the Russell Group. For this reason, we have adapted our curriculum models so that more of our students can study these subjects, in addition to still being able to have at least two additional options.

How to Choose Your Options

When making your choices, think about:

• Your strengths and interests – which subjects do you enjoy and do well in?
• Future plans – are there subjects you’ll need for college courses or careers you’re interested in?
• Balance – it’s okay if you’re unsure about the future! Choose a variety that keeps your options open.
• It’s also helpful to talk things through with teachers, careers advisers, or family. They can give advice based on your goals and strengths.

Support and Guidance

If you’re unsure what to choose, don’t worry ,that’s completely normal!

You can get help from:

• Your school’s careers adviser or head of yea
• Parents or carers
• Teachers who know your learning style and interests
• Online careers platforms like Unifrog

They can help you explore your strengths and see how your choices fit into your future plans.

 Find Out More

Here are some great resources to help you explore your GCSE options and next steps:

Unifrog - compare subjects, explore careers, and plan your post-16 options in one place.
National Careers Service - find out what skills and subjects different jobs require.
BBC Bitesize Careers -  get simple guides, videos, and quizzes to help you choose your path.
UCAS Hub - explore career ideas and how your subjects link to future study.
Prospects - see how GCSE and A Level subjects can lead to university degrees and careers.

Key Stage 5: A Levels, BTECs & T Levels: Your Post-16 Options

After your GCSEs, you’ll have several exciting choices for continuing your education. Whether you prefer academic study, hands-on learning, or a mix of both, there’s a pathway that’s right for you.

A Levels

A Levels are traditional academic qualifications usually taken over two years. You’ll typically study three or four subjects, which you choose based on your interests and future goals.

A Levels are great if you:

• Enjoy classroom-based learning and exams
• Want to keep your options open for university
• Like exploring subjects in depth

They’re accepted by all universities and are also valued by employers and apprenticeship providers.
Examples: English Literature, Maths, Biology, Psychology, History, Sociology.

 BTECs

BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council qualifications) focus on practical, career-related learning. You’ll develop real-world skills through projects, coursework, and practical tasks, with some exams too.

BTECs are great if you:

• Learn best through hands-on work
• Want to focus on a specific career area early
• Prefer ongoing assessment over final exams

You can study BTECs in areas such as Health and Social Care, Engineering, IT, Business, Sport, and Creative Media.

Many students go on to university, apprenticeships, or skilled employment after completing a Level 3 BTEC.

 T Levels

T Levels are a newer qualification designed to combine classroom learning with real industry experience. Each course is equivalent to three A Levels and includes a 45-day work placement with an employer.

T Levels are great if you:

• Want a clear route into a specific job or sector
• Like a mix of study and hands-on experience
• Enjoy practical learning linked to real workplaces

You can study T Levels in areas such as Digital Production, Health, Education, Engineering, Finance, and Construction.

After a T Level, you can go on to university, higher apprenticeships, or skilled employment.

 Choosing What’s Right for You

When deciding between A Levels, BTECs, or T Levels, think about:

• How you like to learn – exams, coursework, or hands-on tasks?
• What careers or university courses interest you?
• Which subjects you enjoy and excel in?

It’s also helpful to visit college open days, speak to careers advisers, and explore your options online before deciding.

Find Out More

Here are some great resources to help you explore and compare your post-16 options:

Unifrog

 explore A Levels, BTECs, and T Levels; compare colleges and apprenticeships

UCAS Hub

 explore how different post-16 routes link to university and careers.

National Careers Service

 find out which qualifications are needed for specific careers.

T Levels Website

 discover available courses and hear from real T Level students.

BBC Bitesize Careers

 simple guides, videos, and stories to help you choose what’s next.

Your Next Step Starts Here

Whether you choose A Levels, BTECs, or T Levels, each route offers valuable skills and experiences to help you move towards your goals. The most important thing is finding the path that matches your interests, learning style, and future ambitions.

What is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a paid job that allows you to earn while you learn. You’ll spend most of your time working with an employer, gaining hands-on experience, and the rest studying towards a recognised qualification, usually through a college or training provider.

Apprenticeships are a great alternative to full-time study and can lead directly to skilled employment or higher education.

Different Levels of Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are available at various levels to suit different starting points:

 Students can begin at any level depending on their qualifications and experience, and progress to higher levels over time.

Salary

• All apprentices are paid a wage.
• The minimum apprenticeship wage (2025) is £6.40 per hour, though many employers pay more.
• You’ll be paid for your study time and receive holiday pay and other employee benefits.
• As you gain experience and move up levels, your pay is likely to increase.

Benefits of an Apprenticeship

• Earn a salary while gaining qualifications
• No tuition fees — training costs are covered by the employer and government
• Learn practical, job-ready skills in your chosen industry
• Get experience employers value and build professional networks
• Clear routes for career progression or higher-level apprenticeships

Find Out More

Students at The Buckingham School can explore apprenticeship opportunities and build their profiles on Unifrog, our dedicated careers and destinations platform:

Log in to Unifrog

You can also find national information here:

• Find an Apprenticeship (GOV.UK)
• UCAS Apprenticeships Guide
• Amazing Apprenticeships
• Not Going to Uni
• Get my first job  
• The apprenticeship guide

University 

Thinking about going to university? It’s one of the most popular routes after college or sixth form, offering the chance to study a subject you love, gain valuable qualifications, and develop skills for your future career and life.

What Is University?

A university is a higher education institution where you can study for advanced qualifications such as:

• Bachelor’s degrees (BA, BSc, BEng)
• Foundation degrees or Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)
• Postgraduate qualifications (Master’s or PhD)

Most undergraduate degrees take three years, though some courses like engineering, medicine, or languages with a year abroad can take longer.

Entry Requirements

To get into university, you’ll usually need:

• A Levels, T Levels, or Level 3 vocational qualifications (like BTECs)
• Specific grades or UCAS points depending on the course
• Occasionally, certain subjects or portfolio work (e.g. for Art or Architecture)

Always check the entry requirements on the UCAS website or directly on the university’s course page before applying.

Why Go to University?

University offers much more than a qualification:

• Deep knowledge of a subject you love
• Better career prospects – many graduate jobs ask for a degree
• Personal growth – independence, confidence, and life skills
• Networking opportunities – meet people who share your interests
• Experiences for life – from societies and volunteering to travel and study abroad

Costs and Student Finance

In the UK, tuition fees are usually up to £9,250 per year, and you’ll also have living costs (accommodation, food, travel, etc.).

To help with this, you can apply for student finance:

• Tuition Fee Loan – covers your course fees (paid directly to the university)
• Maintenance Loan – helps with everyday living costs
• You only start repaying these after graduation, and only when earning above a set amount

You may also qualify for:

• Grants or bursaries – based on income or personal circumstances
• Scholarships – awarded for academic, creative, or sporting achievements

Support at University

Every university provides support to help you succeed, including:

• Academic support – study skills, tutoring, and libraries
• Careers advice – internships, job fairs, and guidance
• Health and wellbeing services – counselling, mental health support
• Financial and disability support – advice and accessibility services

Find Out More

If you’re thinking about applying to university, these resources can help you research, compare options, and plan your next steps:

Unifrog - explore university courses, apprenticeships, and careers all in one place

UCAS - official site for university applications and course searches

Discover Uni - compare courses and see what students think about their experiences

Student Finance England - information on loans, grants, and repayments

The Scholarship Hub - find scholarships and bursaries to help fund your studies

Your Future Starts Here

University isn’t the only option after school, but it can be an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and prepare for your dream career. Take your time, explore your options, and use the resources available to make the choice that’s right for you.