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GCSE English Language Course in Saint Helens for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAQA awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? Check which courses you can do free.

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About this course

Free GCSE English Language Course in Saint Helens. Classes run at Cowley International College, full-time during the day, and the course completes in one year.

You'll study reading, writing, and spoken language. The course covers how language works across different contexts, audiences, and genres. You'll also develop your creative and analytical writing skills. AQA sets the qualification, and it is compulsory for students who did not achieve a grade 4 in GCSE English Language at school.

You'll finish with a GCSE in English Language.

Who this course is for

This course is mainly for students who just missed out on a grade 4 in GCSE English in Year 11. The course is likely to be broadly similar to the GCSE studied before attending Sixth Form, but it may be with a different examining board and the course will complete in one year instead of two. GCSE English is an important qualification, increasing the opportunities for further study or employment. It may, for example, help a student to progress to a Level 3 course, gain a university place or secure a job which requires GCSE English.

Entry requirements

Compulsory for candidates without grade 4 in English

What you will learn

  • You'll read and analyse a range of texts, including fiction and non-fiction.
  • You'll write for different purposes and audiences, from creative pieces to persuasive writing.
  • You'll explore how language is used in different contexts and genres.
  • You'll develop your spoken language and communication skills.
  • You'll practise planning, drafting, and editing your written work.
  • You'll build the reading and writing skills that employers and universities look for.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom lessons during the day. The AQA GCSE is assessed mainly by written exams, which make up 80% of your final grade. The remaining 20% comes from coursework. Your spoken language is also assessed, though this does not count toward the final grade.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cowley International College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Customer service advisor, communicates clearly in writing and in person.
  • Administrative assistant, handles correspondence and written records.
  • Retail team member, supports customers and writes reports or logs.
  • Teaching assistant, supports pupils with reading and writing tasks.
  • Healthcare support worker, completes written care records accurately.
  • Apprentice in any sector, as GCSE English Language is a common entry requirement.

What you could study next

  • A Level English Language, for learners who want to study language at a higher level and explore how communication works in depth.
  • Level 3 BTEC or vocational Diploma, as a GCSE English Language grade 4 or above is often required for entry.
  • Higher Education, as universities typically ask for GCSE English Language alongside A Levels or equivalent qualifications.
Apply on cowleysixthform.org.uk →
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