What happens if my child doesn't get a grade 4 in Maths or English?

In short: In England, students without a grade 4 in GCSE Maths or English have to keep studying the subject after 16, alongside sixth form, college or an apprenticeship. A grade 3 means resitting the GCSE.

Why grade 4 matters

Grade 4 is the standard pass in GCSE Maths and English. Many sixth forms, colleges and apprenticeships ask for it, and some courses ask for higher, such as a 6 or 7 in Maths for A level Maths.

If they don't get it

Students in England who don't get a grade 4 must keep studying Maths or English as part of their course after 16. Those with a grade 3 must study towards the GCSE again. Those with a grade 2 or below can study towards the GCSE or a Functional Skills qualification.

It's much easier to close the gaps before the exam than after it.Mrs Bukky

Why it's worth acting early

A resit means studying the subject again on top of everything else, often in a class of students who all found it hard the first time. It's much easier to close the gaps before the exam than after it.

What you can do now

• Find out your child's current working grade from their school.
• Look at their last test to see which topics are costing marks.
• If they're on a 3 or a borderline 4, focus on the topics worth the most marks first.