GCSE English

Applications are now open for September 2025. Apply online via our "Apply Now" button. 

This course in is for those wishing to study for a GCSE English qualification to enhance their CV and develop their literacy skills for personal and professional use. This course is suitable for adults who have been out of education, and for students who have recently left school or college. Many courses, universities and jobs require you to have a GCSE English qualification at a pass grade 4 or higher. 

The GCSE English course involves 30 weeks of intense study covering a variety of topics. 

Day: Wednesday evening, 5.30pm - 8.30pm. 

This qualification is made up of three components.

Fiction and Imaginative Writing - 40% of the total GCSE

Overview of content:

Study selections from a range of prose fiction. Develop skills to analyse and evaluate 19th - century fiction extracts. Develop imaginative writing skills to engage the reader. Use spelling, punctuation, and grammar accurately.

Non-fiction and Transactional Writing - 60% of the total GCSE

Overview of content:

Study a range of 20th - and 21st - century non-fiction texts (including literary non-fiction). Develop skills to analyse, evaluate and compare non-fiction extracts. Develop transactional writing skills for a variety of forms, purposes and audiences. Use spelling, punctuation and grammar accurately.

Spoken Language Component, Developing Spoken Language Skills - 0% of the total GCSE

Overview of content:

You will undertake a prepared spoken presentation on a specific topic in a formal setting, listen and respond to questions and feedback, and use spoken English effectively. There are no marks for the Spoken Language endorsement. You will be awarded a grade (Pass, Merit or Distinction)

Course Length

September 2025 - June 2026. 

Entry requirements 

You will need to complete a 45-minute reading and writing assessment before you enrol. This will take place during the open evenings on Tuesday 20th June, and Wednesday 6th September. 

You will be willing to work hard, attend each week, complete set work (including online tasks), revise thoroughly for exams, and enjoy the experience of learning.

Cost

Free for those who have not yet achieved a grade 9-4 (A*-C) in GCSE English, have been a UK/EU resident for the last three years, and live in Greater Manchester.

How to apply

Please call 0161 666 8215, email adulted@asfc.ac.uk or click here to view our enrolment dates.