Should I study GCSEs or AAT Level 3 first

[BuffyTheVodkaDrinker]

I've just finished and passed AAT Level 2. Unfortunately I never took my GCSEs at school due to bullying (I regret letting them win). So obviously the next step would be AAT Level 3 but I can't get an apprenticeship due to not having GCSE Maths & English.

I have a few options so just trying to decide which is the best route to take

1. Study AAT Level 3 & 1 GCSE at my local college OR
2. Study AAT Level 3 & both GCSEs at my local college OR
3. Study only AAT Level 3 & then GCSEs the following year (which means another year until AAT Level 4) OR
4. Study only 3 GCSEs this year (Math's, English & Biology) & then AAT Level 3 the following year

Either way if I choose options 3 or 4 I'll be a year behind in AAT either way and worry I'll lose what I learnt at Level 2. However, I think im very capable of studying AAT L3 & 2x GCSEs together but I wonder if it's too much to take on at one time. Would you guys recommend please?

Congratulations on gaining your AAT Level 2, OP!

Are you planning on attending college full-time or part-time for the coming academic year? If full-time, I'd say taking three subjects (either Option 2 or Option 4) would be well within the expected workload for a student.

Just by-the-by, have you checked whether any of the available apprenticeship schemes would accept Functional Skills Level 2 passes in maths and English as an alternative to the GCSEs? You may find those courses quicker to complete.

Hi @AreThereSomewhereIslands

Well all the three courses are part time so I could actually study all three, one of my classmates this year was also studying two GCSEs along with AAT Level 2 and she's passed everything.

To be honest after waiting so long (22 years, showing my age now 😂) I'd like to finally achieve my GCSEs! I'm also going to discuss my options with the tutor at the college

I'd do the two GCSEs plus aat if you are driven to work hard, remember at school you typically take 10 GCSEs over 2 years so quite a load and kids don't all take studying seriously

Best of luck with achieving all your ambitions, @BuffyTheVodkaDrinker!

@AreThereSomewhereIslands @mitogoshi thanks guys and you're right 10 GCSEs are taken during school so I should be able to study 2 along with my AAT Level 3.