GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. You can find an overview and history of GCSEs in this area of the website. Exams for this qualification are normally sat by 15- to 18-year olds in schools and colleges across the country but they are available to anyone who would like to gain a qualification in a subject in which they're interested.

GCSEs can be taken in over 45 subjects from English and maths to economics and psychology. There are also eight GCSEs in vocational subjects that relate to work in particular vocation areas. You will find additional subject-specific information on individual 14-19 subjects.

QCA has developed a student guide to the GCSE system which is available online and in hard copy. In addition to the guide, our very own exams doctor is available to answer questions about the GCSE system and provide study hints and tips during the exam season.

For useful contacts and links to awarding bodies, regulatory authorities and other organisations that can provide help and advice, see the 'Who's who' and 'Where to go for help' sections of the 2005 guide to GCSEs.

You can find further information about GCSEs using the navigation options listed in the left and right hand columns of this page.