Rapid resits to put post-16 plans back on track if GCSE grades missed
Young people across the UK who narrowly miss the maths and English GCSE grades they need for post-16 pathways can get their plans back on track with a range of rapid resit services from this week.
Specialist education provider Esgate Education can open flexible, fast routes to achieving a Level 2 qualification, which most learners will need to access further education courses or apprenticeships.
Functional Skills qualifications, which are equivalent to a GCSE Grade 4, can be booked within three to four days, with the results available within three to six days.
Kerry Esgate-Green, founder and CEO of Esgate Education, said: “GCSE results day can be a stressful time for learners, and for their parents and carers. Esgate Education specialises in creating tailored pathways to learning, which means we can offer solutions that people may not be aware of.
“Missing out on the required maths and English grades can be a barrier to taking the next step in education or employment. While GCSEs or iGCSE’s can be retaken later in the year, Functional Skills is an equivalent qualification that can be achieved within a couple of weeks.
“This won’t be the right solution for everyone but for those who came close to a grade 4, it creates an option to quickly secure an equivalent qualification and put their post-16 plans back on track.
“There is a route to academic success for all learners. Whatever their results, young people needn’t be disheartened or feel they have a lack of options. Our role is to help find the best way forward for each individual.”
Diagnostic tests can determine how suitable the learner is to the qualification and their likelihood of passing. The tests will be offered for free on GCSE results day and £10 thereafter through Esgate Education.
The exams can be taken on-site at Esgate Education’s learning centre, or remotely with cameras set up for invigilation.
Kerry said: “For anyone with a good chance of passing Functional Skills, we can book the next available exam. For other learners, we can help them to pursue a similar qualification through NCFE without the need for exams. We can also arrange iGCSE resits, which can be taken at our learning centre, or remotely, in November.”
Esgate Education delivers on-site and remote teaching to learners aged four to 25. Based in Cottingham, near Corby, the family-run firm works directly with young people and their families, as well as supporting local authorities and providing in-school support to Special Educational Needs Coordinators, known as SENCOs.