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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to think my son can pursue further education without GCSE English or Maths?

58 replies

Italiangreyhound · 23/08/2026 13:17

AIBU to think my son can pursue further education without GCSE English or Maths?

My son had some very difficult mental health issues in school, and also the end of his school career coincided with Covid. He is now 21.

He did go to college (with an EHCP) and got a Certificate in animal care and maintenance, and had one GCSE already, but not GCSE English or Maths.

Due to physical health issues, he has now been out of education and work for three years.

I am very keen for him to resume some education, prior to getting into paid work.

What could he consider, please? He is very bright, but dyslexic. Could Open University offer something suitable? His big passion is animals. I wondered about the environment, bio-diversity etc. Anyone got any experience of this type of subject at higher level for 'returning' students without GCSE English or Maths, please?

OP posts:
Original poster
Italiangreyhound · 27/08/2026 14:23

Thank you.

OP posts:
Sartre · 27/08/2026 14:38

I think anyone can do open uni, do they even check qualifications?

Also if he has level 3, uni’s won’t care nor ask about GCSEs. I have taught students who didn’t have a maths GCSE for example and it didn’t prevent them studying English at a Russell group.

Original poster
Italiangreyhound · 30/08/2026 20:21

Thank you Sartre

OP posts:
inthequietofdawn · 30/08/2026 20:29

Universities can and do ask for GCSEs (or equivalent, and what equivalents they accept varies) and can check.

Original poster
Italiangreyhound · 30/08/2026 20:33

inthequietofdawn

Thank you, we definitely won't lie about what qualifications he has.

OP posts:
sashh · 31/08/2026 04:06

Sartre · 27/08/2026 14:38

I think anyone can do open uni, do they even check qualifications?

Also if he has level 3, uni’s won’t care nor ask about GCSEs. I have taught students who didn’t have a maths GCSE for example and it didn’t prevent them studying English at a Russell group.

That does depend on the course, teacher training you have to have GCSEs maths, English and a science.

Original poster
Italiangreyhound · 03/09/2026 09:50

sashh

Thank you.

OP posts:
IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 03/09/2026 10:30

M

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