Which GCSE Subjects are Mandatory in the UK?

Mandatory subjects have changed over the years. For example, it used to be compulsory to study a modern foreign language, whereas now it is optional. In this article, you’ll learn which subjects are mandatory and which are optional.

Mandatory GCSE subjects

In England, the national curriculum states that all students have to study the three core subjects until they are 16:

• Maths

• English language

• Science

Most students will sit exams and gain GCSEs in these subjects. Let’s look at each subject separately and see why they are compulsory.

English

English language is a compulsory subject because it helps you develop your communication skills. These skills are essential so that you are ready for further education or employment. 

If you don’t achieve at least a grade 4 by the end of Year 11 then you will be required to resit the qualification if you enter further education. 

English literature is not compulsory. However, most schools teach it alongside English language. Even if English is not your favourite subject, I would advise you to take GCSE English Literature for three reasons:

1. You gain an extra GCSE.

2. Most students find it easier to revise for GCSE English Literature than Language.

3. If you do not achieve at least a grade 4 for GCSE English Language, but you do for GCSE English Literature, then you do not need to resit any English qualifications. 

You can use our revision resources for GCSE English language and GCSE English literature to get top grades. 

Maths

Maths is a compulsory subject because it helps you understand numbers and statistics used in everyday life. You will also learn the basic skills that you will need for further studies in obvious subjects such as maths, physics and chemistry. 

You might be surprised to hear, however, that maths will also help in other subjects like business studies, psychology and geography.

Similar to English language, if you do not achieve at least a grade 4 by the end of Year 11 then you will be required to resit maths if you enter further education.

Your school might offer other mathematical courses, such as GCSE Statistics or Further Maths. Unlike with GCSE English Literature, however, passing these courses will not count as passing maths. 

If you do not pass maths, then you will need to resit it, even if you pass statistics or further maths.  However, I would still recommend studying these courses if your school offers them because they will naturally help to improve your maths skills. And the better your maths skills, the better grade you will get at GCSE.  

Check out our resources for GCSE Maths, GCSE Statistics and GCSE Further Maths.

Science

Another compulsory subject is science, as this teaches you about the world and how things work. However, unlike English and maths, if you do not achieve at least a grade 4 in science then there is no requirement for you to resit it.

Your school will likely offer two options, combined sciences or separate sciences. For both options, you will study the three strands of science:

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

If you study combined sciences, then your results for the three sciences will be combined, and you will achieve two grades for GCSE science. Whereas if you study separate sciences then you study the three sciences in greater depth and achieve three separate GCSEs, one for each science.

We have revision notes and questions to help you with GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics. Our resources cover the specifications for separate sciences and combined sciences.

Additional statutory requirements

As well as the three core subjects, there are other subjects that can be compulsory.

Foundation subjects

You will also have to study the following three foundation subjects: 

• Computing

• Citizenship

• Physical education

There is no expectation that you sit any exams or achieve GCSEs in these subjects, but you must study them until you are 16. You can of course take GCSEs in these subjects if your school offers them.

Computing is mandatory to prepare you for work in the modern world. These days a lot of jobs require you to use technology and some even require the ability to use coding languages. Computing does not mean you must study computer science, it also includes ICT. 

Citizenship is compulsory as you will learn about society, politics and laws in the UK. Schools have to include physical education so that students stay active and learn the importance of regular exercise.

Check out our resources for GCSE Computer Science and GCSE P.E.

Other mandatory subjects

There are some other subjects and topics that schools must teach. Just like foundation subjects, you do not need to sit exams in these unless you choose them as options. These are not part of the foundation subjects because it is possible for parents or guardians of a student to request that the student be removed from these lessons.

Schools are required to teach you about relationships, sex, and health. This is included so that you are able to look after yourself and those close to you. Your school may call this Citizenship Studies, PSHE (personal, social, health and economic education) or even just include this as part of other school activities.

Religious studies will also be on your timetable. This subject educates you about different beliefs that reflect the diverse mixture of people in the UK. Use our resources for GCSE Religious Studies to let us help you achieve the top grades.

As well as the subjects that you must study, schools are also obliged to offer at least one subject from each of the following categories:

• The arts such as fine art, music and drama

• The humanities such as geography and history

• Design and technology

• Modern foreign languages

There is no requirement from the Government for you to study any of these subjects. However, most schools have their own rules about choosing options so that you can be a well-rounded student. My advice would be to choose subjects that you enjoy but try to choose a mixture so that you have a wide range of knowledge in case your future plans change. 

UK Variations

Mandatory GCSEs in Wales

In Wales, students have similar requirements for study as students in England. However, students in Wales also have to study Welsh language. If you are a student in Wales, then there are two GCSEs for Welsh: 

• Welsh language (if your first language is Welsh) 

• Welsh second language (if your first language is not Welsh) 

Also in Wales, students can take GCSE Maths Numeracy instead of GCSE Maths. This course focuses on the maths skills that are needed in everyday life. 

You can read more about the learning guidance on the Curriculum for Wales website.

Mandatory qualifications in Scotland

In Scotland, students do not sit GCSEs. The equivalent qualification is called the National 5. It is up to the individual schools to decide what subjects to offer. 

However, in most schools, students are normally required to study maths, English and at least one science subject at National 5 level. 

In Scotland, there is a Curriculum for Excellence which highlights what schools should offer. There are eight areas within the Curriculum for Excellence:

• Languages

• Expressive arts

• Health and wellbeing

• Numeracy and mathematics

• Religious and moral education

• Sciences

• Social studies

• Technologies

 You can read more about these on the Curriculum for Excellence website.

Mandatory GCSEs in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the statutory requirement is that schools include P.E., R.E. and learning for life and work in their curriculum for GCSE students. Just like England, you do not need to take GCSEs in these subjects, but you will have to study them. Schools will also include other subjects such as maths, languages and sciences. 

You can read more about these on the Statutory Curriculum website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I opt out of mandatory GCSEs?

You might be able to opt out of some GCSEs, but it is best to discuss this with your school. The main aim of secondary school qualifications is to help you get the career you want in the future. Therefore, it is best to speak with your teachers and careers advisors. There might be some situations where it is better to do alternative qualifications instead of GCSEs, such as functional skills. 

Is P.E. a compulsory GCSE?

P.E. is a compulsory subject, however it is not compulsory for you to study it at GCSE level. The reason schools have to include it in their curriculum is so that they can help to keep you fit and healthy. GCSE P.E. is optional, and you should take this if you enjoy the subject and want to study it in more depth.

Are other GCSEs mandatory in some schools?

Each school has its own requirements for students when selecting subjects. All schools have to offer what is required by the Government, but they are also able to include additional requirements.

For example, faith schools are likely to require you to take GCSE Religious Studies. Specialist technology schools are likely to require you to take GCSE Design and Technology. I attended a school which had a technology focus. Students had to choose a technology course (back then there were multiple courses such as electronics, resistant materials and textiles).

Ace Your GCSEs with Save My Exams

Save My Exams is a valuable resource that you can use to develop your subject knowledge, guide your revision and consolidate your learning at GCSE. 

Use our comprehensive, exam board-specific GCSE revision notes to ensure you are familiar with the requirements of your specification, and complete our GCSE exam questions to check your knowledge, understanding and application skills within your chosen subject. 

Explore Our GCSE Revision Resources

References

Association for Citizenship Teaching - Citizenship National Curriculum

Gov.uk - The National Curriculum

Gov.uk - Research review series: computing

Gov.scot - Curriculum for Excellence

Gov.wales - Curriculum for Wales

Department of Education - Statutory curriculum