How Many GCSEs Can You Take?

What matters the most in GCSEs is passing the compulsory subjects. Deciding the number or the subject of optional GCSEs is up to you, and this is a key decision to make in the course of your education. But the absence of definite guidelines on the number of GCSEs you should take certainly doesn’t help the case.

On average, GCSE students choose to do 9 or 10 GCSEs to have a reasonable range of choices for university admissions and careers. It’s not a rule but rather something most students do. But what’s the right number for you?

Minimum Number of GCSEs Required

According to the national curriculum, GCSE maths, English language, and Science are compulsory GCSE subjects. So, three GCSEs are already out of the question. English literature is also mandated by some schools.

GCSE students usually add one or two more GCSE subjects from Humanities (e.g., Geography or History) to create a small GCSE portfolio. Generally, five GCSEs are considered the minimum number of GCSEs for an average student in the UK. Of course, the minimum number of GCSEs is not always up to you as you need to meet the university requirements.

Average Number of GCSEs Taken by Students in the UK

GCSE students commonly take 8 to 10 GCSEs depending on their educational goals and available time. This is a reasonable range of GCSE qualifications since it provides you with a balanced choice range for A-levels, university admissions or job opportunities. 9 or 10 GCSEs can cater to your academic and personal interests.

You can choose any subject that is covered in your school program. If your favourite subject is not covered by the school, you can enrol in another school, attend online courses, or hire GCSE tutors to help you prepare for the exam. Finally, you can take the GCSE as a private candidate in the nearest GCSE exam centre. You can also call 020 7638 4132 to find out where you can take your preferred GCSEs. 

Maximum Number of GCSEs You Can Take

There is no limit to how many GCSEs you can take. It’s more a matter of how much time you can spend revising for the GCSE exams. GCSE students are expected to spend an average of 120 hours revising for each subject. If you can do more in less time, you can take more GCSEs.

We can say that 12 GCSEs are next to too many GCSEs for an average student. At the end of the day, what matters more to universities or employers are good GCSE grades rather than the number of GCSE qualifications.

Deciding to take a large number of GCSEs without having a long-term and meticulously designed plan will most likely result in frustration, demotivation, and, eventually, failure. GCSE qualifications are indeed important, but you should not sacrifice your personal life for them.

A Good GCSE Portfolio

If you’re determined to take the maximum number of GCSEs, your choices should represent your versatility and academic strength. The following selection of GCSEs is a good way to impress university admission officers, given that you have a high grade in each. 

• Core Subjects:
  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• Humanities:
  • History
  • Geography
• Languages:
  • Modern Foreign Language (e.g., French, Spanish, German)
  • Classical Language (e.g., Latin, Ancient Greek)
• Creative and Technical Subjects:
  • Art and Design
  • Design and Technology
  • Computer Science
• Additional Subjects:
  • Religious Studies
  • Physical Education
  • Music

The Required Number of GCSEs for Higher Education

You need to check the entry requirements for your preferred college or university as they may demand different qualifications. The table below summarises the required number of GCSEs and  the respective grades. Please note that GCSEs are not the only requirements for college or university admissions.

For core subjects, especially maths, you need to achieve high grades if your planning to apply to top universities. The entry requirements might say a grade 4 is accepted but students with high grades are prioritised. Therefore, it’s quite worth it to invest adequate time in core subjects and get help from GCSE tutors when needed.

Interesting Fact:

Mahnoor Cheema, a British-Pakistani girl, holds the record for the highest number of GCSEs in the UK and EU. She’s done 34 GCSE subjects and secured an A* for each of them.

Choosing Your GCSEs

GCSE core subjects aside, you have a wide choice of elective subjects that you can choose to pursue your favourite academic or career path.

Factors to Consider When Selecting GCSE optional subjects

While it’s up to you to choose your preferred optional GCSEs, there are some factors that affect your choices.

• University entry requirements: Universities have different requirements for different programmes. You should research the requirements of your preferred university and select the GCSEs accordingly.
• Your interests: Feel free to choose the subjects that feel right. For example, if you’re good at languages, you can choose more than one language among Modern Foreign Languages.
• Your abilities: You can do anything you set your mind to. However, if you’re already good at something and it aligns with your interests, why not choose it?
• Subject congruence: It’s best to select the GCSEs that are interrelated. For instance, maths lays the foundation for Computer Science or Information and Communication Technology. History and politics also make an excellent match.

In parentheses

The best thing about optional GCSEs is that they give you some control over your education. It’s even safe to say the optional GCSEs shape your future. That’s why you should make an informed decision. You can contact Oxbridge consultants to get professional advice on which GCSEs to choose.

More or Less, That’s the Question

If GCSE qualifications are your way of getting into university or finding a job, you’d better do the average number of GCSEs. With determination and time management, you can push your limits and do more GCSEs.

But if you’re thinking of other alternatives after secondary education (like vocational qualifications), you can do well by focusing on the core GCSE subjects.

Pros and Cons of Taking More GCSEs

On the plus side, taking more subjects gives you a comprehensive knowledge base which leads to both personal and educational growth. Familiarity with more GCSE subjects indicates which one you really like and make an informed decision. Additionally, if you take more GCSEs and manage to secure high grades, you’ll impress the universities and facilitate your admission.

On the minus side, having to deal with many GCSEs leaves you less time for extracurricular activities and your social life. Also, if something happens and you fall behind, it’s really hard to catch up with your revision schedule, and the stress sure makes it tougher.

Pros and Cons of Fewer GCSEs

The best thing about doing fewer GCSEs is the peace of mind that comes with it. You have more time to yourself that you can spend on learning your favourite skills or working a part-time job. Also, you can concentrate more on a few subjects, allocate more time to revision, and get higher grades.

On the other hand, with fewer GCSEs, your choices for higher education or career paths become more limited. In addition, you lose the opportunity to explore different subjects and see if you have a knack for any of them. It would also limit your choices on the GCSE results day.

Key takeaways

• The number of GCSEs you should take depends on what you want to do after finishing secondary school. If you aim for further education, you should take 9 or 10 GCSEs.
• Research your preferred university’s entry requirements and check if it requires any specific subjects.
• When selecting your GCSE portfolio, consider university requirements, subject congruence and your interests and abilities.
• Don’t go extreme on the number of GCSEs. Try to balance your personal life and your education.