GCSEs (General Certificates of Secondary Education) are usually taken at school-leaving age after two years’ study, but are available to students of any age. They are normally assessed by a mixture of internal assessment (coursework) and exams.
     
In 2009, a new suite of GCSEs for the non-core subjects was developed. In 2010, there were new specifications for the core subjects of English, maths and ICT, when functional skills was incorporated. In 2011, Science was revised.

In September 2012, all GCSEs were revised and made linear. Find out more here. 

Learn more about GCSEs in general.