Meaning & use
GCSE
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Meanings
nouncountableBritish
A qualification in a particular subject that students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland usually get at about age 16 after taking exams.
Grammar: Countable; often used with 'in' before the subject, e.g., 'GCSE in maths'. Can be used before another noun, e.g., 'GCSE exam'.
Patterns
- GCSE in something
- take a GCSE
- pass a GCSE
- GCSE exam
She got top grades in her GCSEs and went on to study A-levels.
He took a GCSE in history last summer.
Most students take GCSE exams at the end of Year 11.
nouncountableBritish
The exam itself that leads to this qualification.
Grammar: Countable; often used in the plural to refer to the set of exams taken at the end of secondary school.
Patterns
- take a GCSE
- sit a GCSE
- GCSE exam
I have to revise for my GCSEs next month.
She was nervous before her GCSE exam.
He failed his GCSE in French but retook it later.
Word forms
| plural | GCSEs |
|---|
Common combinations
- take a GCSE
- Students usually take GCSEs in about ten subjects.
- pass a GCSE
- She passed her GCSE in chemistry with a grade A.
- GCSE exam
- The GCSE exam season starts in May.
- GCSE results
- GCSE results are published in August.
- GCSE in something
- He has a GCSE in music.
Commonly confused: GCSE or A-level?
GCSE vs A-level
A-levels are taken after GCSEs, usually at age 18, and are more advanced.
Practice
In the UK, students typically take GCSE exams at the age of ___.
Choose one answer.
GCSEs are usually taken at the end of compulsory secondary education, around age 16. Age 14 is too early; age 18 is when A-levels are taken.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “GCSE”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.