If you’re thinking about your future and considering an apprenticeship instead of (or alongside) further education, you might be wondering: Do GCSEs really matter? The short answer is yes, but maybe not in the way you think.
What Are GCSEs For?
GCSEs are your first big academic qualifications. They show future employers or training providers that you have the basic skills needed to build on.
For apprenticeships, especially those in industries like engineering, healthcare, construction, or digital tech, certain GCSEs are often required, mainly:
- English
- Maths
- Sometimes Science or IT
These are considered the foundation for learning technical skills on the job.
While GCSEs are important, they’re not everything.
What Do Apprenticeship Providers Look For?
While GCSEs are important, they’re not everything. Employers are also looking at:
- Your attitude and willingness to learn
- Work experience or volunteering
- Problem-solving and communication skills
- Passion for the industry
So if your results aren’t perfect, don’t panic, strong applications, interviews, and personal motivation can still carry a lot of weight.
Different Levels, Different Requirements
There are several levels of apprenticeships:
- Intermediate (Level 2): Often requires few GCSEs, but Maths and English are still key.
- Advanced (Level 3): Usually expects 5 GCSEs at grades 4–9 (including English and Maths).
- Higher and Degree Apprenticeships (Levels 4–7): May require A-levels or equivalent, but GCSEs still count toward eligibility.
The higher the level, the more likely you’ll need stronger GCSE results.
Can You Still Get An Apprenticeship Without Good GCSEs?
Yes, but you might need to:
- Resit Maths or English as part of your apprenticeship.
- Start with a lower-level apprenticeship and work your way up.
- Gain experience elsewhere (e.g., through internships or short courses).
Plenty of people build successful careers this way. Apprenticeships are designed to help you learn and grow, so gaps can be filled with effort and time.
Roxanne’s journey is a great example of how far an apprenticeship can take you. Explore her inspiring progression through multiple apprenticeship levels here.
GCSEs do matter for apprenticeships but they’re not the end of the world if they don’t go perfectly. They open doors, but it’s your drive, attitude, and potential that often get you through them.
Thinking about an apprenticeship? Check out our article on the top 3 places to find apprenticeship opportunities.
