GCSE English Language Course in Reading – Reading College

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAQA awarding body

About this course

Free GCSE English Language Course in Reading. Classes run at Reading College, with full-time daytime study across one year. You'll develop reading, writing, and communication skills assessed through the AQA GCSE (9-1) in English Language. No prior qualifications are needed, but you'll have an interview with a member of the teaching team to confirm your commitment to full-time study. You must also be prepared to work on your English and maths alongside the course. When employers ask for GCSE English, this is the qualification they mean.

Who this course is for

Every year, we successfully train many students in becoming fully-qualified beauty therapists. By choosing a career in this industry, you will have the opportunity to combine creativity with customer care; helping people to look and feel great. Beauticians are specialists in discussing and understanding client requirements, analysing and advising on skincare and beauty regimes, giving treatments, and applying cosmetics. This Level 1 course will give you a broad base of knowledge and you will learn how to perform effective beauty treatments. You will attend college full time, participating in practical salon and classroom sessions to gain hands-on experience of these wonderful treatments. We will help you develop the skills you need to work in the beauty therapy industry, including: communication, problem solving, professional standards, client consultation, time management, customer care, creativity, .. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk

Entry requirements

You need to have GCSE English Language and maths at grade 2 or above. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk

What you will learn

  • You'll read and analyse a range of fiction and non-fiction texts.
  • You'll write clearly and effectively for different audiences and purposes.
  • You'll develop your understanding of language and how writers use it.
  • You'll practise spoken language skills, including presenting and responding to questions.
  • You'll build your ability to plan, draft, and proofread your own writing.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom at Reading College, five days a week during the day. The AQA GCSE (9-1) in English Language is assessed through written exams. There is also a spoken language endorsement, which is assessed separately and does not affect your exam grade. Your teachers will prepare you for both components throughout the year.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Customer service adviser: clear written and spoken English is essential
  • Administrative assistant: employers routinely ask for GCSE English
  • Receptionist: communication skills are central to the role
  • Retail supervisor: written English needed for reports and correspondence
  • Healthcare support worker: many NHS roles require GCSE English or equivalent
  • Teaching assistant: schools require GCSE English at grade 4 or above

What you could study next

  • A Level English Language or English Literature: the natural next step if you want to study English at a higher level.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma or BTEC: many vocational Level 3 courses require GCSE English as an entry condition.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma: if you're considering university, this Level 3 qualification is designed for adults and typically requires GCSE English or equivalent.

Related courses at Reading College

More courses near you