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Secondary education

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Original poster

How many gcse is the norm at your dc school?

118 replies

Starfishyellow · 27/01/2026 08:56

our dc school used to do 7 but now it looks like it will be reduced to do a minimum of 5 and they constantly have staff changes or temporary teachers so I think it’s due to this.

OP posts:
taleforthetimebeing · 27/01/2026 09:31

*there 🙃

taleforthetimebeing · 27/01/2026 09:31

It seems strange to do less than 8 as schools are judged on their progress 8 and attainment 8 scores or are their btec and other options available in addition to the gcses.

Thatcannotberight · 27/01/2026 09:31

Very small secondary 700 ish pupils, 8 or 9 depending on Combined or Separate Sciences.

Miloarmadillo2 · 27/01/2026 09:28

One in Y10 (RS or citizenship) then 8/9 in Y11 (depending if they do double or triple science - maths, 2 x English, 3 options). Top set maths also do ad maths/further maths (not sure that is a GCSE). So anywhere between 9-11 GCSE or equivalents. Bog standard state school.

ClawsandEffect · 27/01/2026 09:27

I worked in a school like this. A MAT academy which when searched online, was highlighted frequently in the press for being bad in a range of areas.

Children were just money making numbers to them. It was really never about education. The lack of choice available to them was upsetting.

It was horrific and I only lasted 3 months. Poor, poor children who couldn't escape it.

Original poster
Starfishyellow · 27/01/2026 09:23

Yes I think I will have to move them. My dc will almost definitely do 7 even if I have to tutor them myself/pay for outside help but I feel like even 7 seems low.

OP posts:
Januaryclouds · 27/01/2026 09:22

9 for most, some will add further maths/statistics towards the end.
Personally I think 9 is reasonable for lots of kids, with the option to drop to 8 or 7 at a push.
i think 5 or 6 is a shame as it basically just focuses on the core subjects.
I feel secondary education should a lot more flexible and child focused

I really disagree with choosing options in y8 for y9

IceIceSlippyIce · 27/01/2026 09:18

Agree with others that 5 is too restrictive given maths, English, English and double science are compulsory, there is no scope for linguistics and humanities.

Any chance of moving school?

Seeline · 27/01/2026 09:18

Five in total?!
Maths, English x 2 and double science?

No others. What will they do about A levels?
I'd be moving schools.

IceIceSlippyIce · 27/01/2026 09:16

Top 2 sets maths get the option to do further maths GCSE - but its 1 class a week after school, so that would make 10 for a few.

GalaxyJam · 27/01/2026 09:15

ClawsandEffect · 27/01/2026 09:07

8 or 9. Which when you factor in 2 or 3 papers for most GCSEs is a LOT. Some kids sit over 20 papers.

6 sounds a sensible number to me. 5 or less reduces their choices for A Level or uni though, because you've got the compulsory subjects in there meaning their options choices are tiny.

Exactly… assuming maths, English and at least double science are compulsory, it doesn’t leave much choice. I’d avoid sending my child to that school if at all possible.

Greyeyesgreenlight · 27/01/2026 09:14

9 is standard to both my DCs' schools.

At one school, top set science take 3 sciences instead of combined, so they end up with 10.

At the other school, top set maths take an extra statistics GCSE, so they also end up with 10.

Both schools have a support option, for students who need extra support in core subjects. This takes one subject out of the timetable to allow extra time for the others. So, those students take 8 GCSEs.

NotAsItWasBefore · 27/01/2026 09:13

Between 8 and 12

Thingsthatgo · 27/01/2026 09:12

Lowest set takes 6 or 7 highest set takes 12

Favouritefruits · 27/01/2026 09:11

10/11 it’s just a run of the mill failing school too, it’s not special at all.

MumtoGPW · 27/01/2026 09:10

8 for lower ability dc. 9-10 for higher ability dc.
Seems to work well (I've had dc do both streams).

ClawsandEffect · 27/01/2026 09:07

8 or 9. Which when you factor in 2 or 3 papers for most GCSEs is a LOT. Some kids sit over 20 papers.

6 sounds a sensible number to me. 5 or less reduces their choices for A Level or uni though, because you've got the compulsory subjects in there meaning their options choices are tiny.

GalaxyJam · 27/01/2026 08:57

9 minimum at DD’s school.