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Free GCSE English Language Course in Preston

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyWJEC awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free GCSE English Language Course in Preston. Classes run at Cardinal Newman College, full-time during the day.

The course is for learners who achieved grade 3 or below in GCSE English Language. You must take it alongside a full programme of A Level or BTEC study. It covers reading and analysing fiction and non-fiction texts, writing for different purposes, and a spoken language assessment. You'll study 20th-century literature, compare non-fiction texts from different periods, and write persuasively and creatively. The course takes one year.

You'll finish with a GCSE in English Language.

Who this course is for

A grade 4 in GCSE in English Language is invaluable. Whether you want to go to university, apply for an apprenticeship or a job; employers and universities will usually insist upon it as a basic requirement. It is very important to be confident in the use of language because many of the skills required in everyday life draw upon this in order to achieve success. At Cardinal Newman you can take a re-sit in English Language alongside a selection of BTEC and A Level courses dependent on entry requirements. Over the course of the year you will study a novel in depth, learn how to write in various styles and discuss how spoken language is used for effect. GCSE English Language involves the essential skills of reading, writing and speaking and listening. You will be assessed in all of these areas through a mix of written exams and controlled assessments.

Entry requirements

Grade 3 or below in GCSE English Language. Please note: this re-sit must be taken alongside a full programme of BTEC or A Level study. It cannot be taken on its own.

What you will learn

  • You'll read and analyse 20th-century fiction, including novel extracts.
  • You'll compare non-fiction texts from the 19th and 21st centuries.
  • You'll write imaginative and creative prose.
  • You'll write to argue, persuade, and inform for real-life purposes, such as speeches and letters.
  • You'll explore how writers use language and structure to create effects.
  • You'll deliver a spoken presentation and respond to questions.

How you will learn

The course is assessed through two written exams and a spoken language assessment. Component 1 covers 20th-century literature reading and creative writing. Component 2 covers non-fiction reading and transactional or persuasive writing. The spoken language assessment requires you to deliver a presentation and respond to questions. It does not count toward your final grade but is reported on your certificate.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cardinal Newman College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Customer service adviser, strong written and spoken English is often required.
  • Administrative assistant, drafts correspondence and handles written communications.
  • Healthcare support worker, clear communication is essential in patient-facing roles.
  • Retail supervisor, writes reports and communicates with customers and staff.
  • Teaching assistant, supports reading and writing in the classroom.

What you could study next

  • A Level English Language or English Literature, the natural next step for those wanting to study English at a higher level.
  • BTEC Level 3 in a vocational subject, where a GCSE grade 4 is often an entry requirement.
  • Higher or degree apprenticeship, many employers require GCSE English at grade 4 or above to apply.
Apply on cardinalnewman.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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