Last updated: 26 Mar 2009

GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. GCSEs can be taken in over 45 subjects from English and maths to more work-related subjects such as health and social care and manufacturing. Over half a million young people sit GCSE examinations each year.

As part of the reform of 14–19 education, GCSEs are being revised. Read more about the criteria for GCSEs for 2009 onwards .

For useful contacts and links to awarding bodies, regulatory authorities and other organisations that can provide help and advice, see Who's who in GCSE .