Can you do less GCSES?

[Parentingmuch]

DC is at a performing art school in year 10, they are finding their strand a bit hard, it counts for 6 GCSES, on top of that they have to do maths, science, English and an optional. They have an EHCP due to a mild learning disability. Was wondering if we can speak to school so they do less GCSEs?

Thanks in advance

Of course! At my DD’s school they all do a variation between 7-9 GCSE’s. In science and Maths, your DC will also have the option of foundation instead of higher.

Yes.

schools vary in how many they offer and most are able to facilitate dropping one or two to focus on maths and English.

There isnt a law on number of gcses and some children with ehcps do none. (Mine is doing none)

but you need to have a view on what they want to do next. Different level 3 courses have different entry requirements.

If they are capable then maths, english and science are 'core' and seen as mandatory. So it would only be the option id anticipate any shift on, and then only if the school could accommodate in terms of where would your child go and what would they do in that lesson..

Thank you. We need to speak to the school

Wondering if she can just focus on her strand, English and maths and drop science and the optional.

English, Maths and Science are core subjects, so the least likely to be droppable.

Unless there's a Very Good Reason, schools usually like all students to do a minimum of English Language, Maths, Combined Science and at least two other subjects that count towards their progress 8 performance measure: https://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/uk-schools/advice/progress-8-and-attainment-8-explained

Thank you. I hope they can drop Science and the optional and focus on the strand which counts as 6 GCSE and English and maths.