GCSEs are normally taken before pupils leave school, however you can take them at any time of your life. If you want to go on to higher education, you will normally take GCSEs first.
You may have studied for your GCSEs before or during your career in the Armed Forces, but don't forget that you can always study for more vocational or academic GCSEs if you need to.
If you want to do a GCSE, look up which awarding body offers the subject you want to study. Then contact them to find out what the entry requirements are, and where you can learn.
A Levels and AS levels
"GCE A levels are two year study courses normally taken by students in schools and colleges of further education after they have completed their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations. In most cases students should have passed a GCSE in the subject they wish to take at A level, but some subjects (such as Law) are not offered at GCSE level. A levels are seen as one of the main routes into higher education and employment." (From Department of Children, School and Families (DCSF) site)
The awarding bodies in England and Wales are:
- Edexcel, tel: 0870 240 9800
- OCR, tel: 0122 355 2552
- AQA, tel: 0161 953 1180
Follow the links on this page for websites with lots of useful information about GCSEs.