GCSE Academic Foundation Programme

Level 1 Diploma

Course Location

College

Marple College

Location

Marple College

Further Details

Age

College 16-18

Department

GCSEs

Course Start Date

Monday 8th September 2025

Course Duration

Full-time, 1 Year

Course Time

Course Fee

£ 360.00
You may be eligible for support with your tuition fees - please visit the college website - funding and finance page for further information

Course Code

MFP-ML3G-1100

Course Overview

Our Full Time GCSE Academic Foundation programme is one of a kind in Greater Manchester and provides a pathway for new arrivals in the UK and home-schooled students to acquire GCSEs to progress further with their education.
If you’re considering a new career path but don’t have the right qualifications, this program will help you get the skills you need to succeed. You’ll gain knowledge in your chosen subjects, improve your academic abilities, and develop your social skills and confidence. By the end, you’ll have valuable qualifications that open doors to various industries.
The Full Time GCSE Academic Foundation programme offers you the chance to complete 4 GCSEs in just one academic year. To succeed, it’s important to stay committed with great attendance in all subjects. If you haven’t already passed GCSE Maths or English Language (grade 4 or above), you’ll study these as part of your 4 subjects. You’ll also have a personal tutor who will be there to support and guide you, meeting with you regularly in both group sessions and individual 1-2-1 meetings to ensure you stay on track and reach your goals.

Course Requirements

4 GCSE’s at Grade 3 or above including Maths and English Language (achieved in the most recent summer examination series).

Students who have not attained any GCSEs in their last academic year (I.e., if they have arrived from abroad or were home schooled) will need to take a short assessment to ensure they are working at a grade 3 (or above) level in Maths and English Language.

What you will Learn

The core programme is GCSE English, Mathematics, Sociology & Chemistry. There may also be an option to choose a pathway (subject to enrolment).

STEM pathway
GCSE Maths, English Language, Biology & Chemistry

Cultures pathway
GCSE Maths, English Language, Film Studies & Sociology

Assessment

GCSE exams are held at the end of the year during May and June. All subjects are exam-based.

Progression

Many learners use this course as a platform to move onto Level 3 qualifications including A-Levels, T-Levels, BTECs as well as Apprenticeships.
This course will prepare you for Level 3 qualifications which can lead you straight into work or Higher Education.

Career Options

Former Full-Time GCSE alumni have continued their journey at the Trafford & Stockport College Group before progressing to degree courses such as Medicine, Law, English Literature, and Engineering at prestigious universities including Manchester and Oxford.

Mandatory Units

GCSE Maths and English Language are mandatory for those learners who have not attained a grade 4.

Other GCSE’s, subject to availability, are:
Biology
Chemistry
Film Studies
Sociology

Contact Details

For further information please contact T: 0161 886 7070 or E: info@trafford.ac.uk

Extra Costs Involved

Exam Validation Body

Hours Per Week

How Long To Complete

Programme Structure

Contact Details

Disclaimer

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate, there may be changes to this programme and provision. We will endeavour to keep prospective and current students updated where appropriate and when the information becomes available.
READY TO begin your journey?

Apply Now

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