How to Retake GCSE Maths Online | GCSEs for Adults & Teenagers

GCSE Maths is an important qualification to have. Sure, you might think you don’t need it, but it actually has more relevance than you may realise.

It’s not like you’re typically having to solve trigonometry problems as you go about your day-to-day life, but failing to get a grade 4 pass (previously a C) could end up holding you back from doing the things you want in the future.

Did you know a lot of employers require you to have at least a pass before they’ll even consider you for the role? Certain further education courses will also ask for it, even if the subject is entirely unrelated to Maths, making it an essential qualification to get ahead.

We appreciate that Maths is really challenging for many people and if you’ve missed out on the grades you need, you might think it’ll be impossible for you to ever pass - but trust us when we say that a change in the way you study can work wonders.

Whether you’re resitting after one year or twenty, online learning can be your key to earning the grade you need. So, how do you retake GCSE Maths online? Below, we give you the answers step-by-step.

Find a reputable GCSE Maths course online

When it comes to studying GCSE Maths online there are a range of course providers out there, but before you put down any of your hard-earned cash, make sure you know exactly what you’re purchasing.

You should make sure that the course has been accredited by a recognised exam board such as Pearson Edexcel or AQA. This ensures that the course syllabus has been designed to properly prepare you for the exam and the materials you receive are high quality.

Ensure that your course comes with a personal Maths tutor to help you when you get stuck. Having someone on hand to explain problems to you when needed can be the difference between giving up and getting that all-important pass.

Take note of any extra support on offer - some providers offer unlimited tutor support, for example, and live online classrooms.

Another thing to consider when choosing your course provider is the structure of the course. Some providers will insist that you enrol at certain times of the year or that you log a set amount of study hours per week, whereas others let you set your own schedule and work at a pace that suits you.

You should also have a think about what your other commitments are and how much flexibility you would like in your studies and find a course that works for your needs. When you resit your GCSE Maths online with us, for instance, you can study at your own pace in an environment that’s comfortable for you.

This means you’ll be able to control how you learn and spend more time on the topics you find especially challenging.

Choose a study area

Retaking GCSE Maths online means you can study anywhere, anytime (as long as you have access to Wi-Fi), but Maths is a subject that many people struggle with, so we'd advise you to try to find somewhere you can really concentrate.

If you have a spare room at home to work in, this is ideal as it clearly separates your study time from your home life.

However, we know not everyone can accommodate this. If you don’t have the luxury of a spare room you can try to set aside a dedicated study area. This could be in the kitchen (which is very handy for mid-study snacking!) or you can set up camp in your bedroom or living room – just pick somewhere you're not likely to get distracted.

Remember that you'll be reviewing key mathematic concepts and strategies, including:

• Number
• Algebra
• Ratio, proportion and rates of change
• Geometry and measures
• Probability, and
• Statistics

All of these subjects will help you gain a strong and comprehensive understanding of GCSE Maths and help you advance in your life and career - and that deserves your full attention!

Create a study plan

Start as you mean to go on with a clear study plan for your lessons and revision. You could set yourself weekly or monthly targets to help you stay focused.

The great thing about studying your GCSE Maths online is you can work through the course as quickly or as slowly as you want to as you're not restricted to a set class timetable.

Remember to be realistic about what you can achieve. There's no point in setting yourself impossible targets. You'd only be setting yourself up to fail.

Study planners are a great way to stay on top of your studies as seeing everything laid out in front of you will keep you focused and on the right track. Why not download our free study planner to help you get started?

Use past papers to get exam ready

Using past papers is a great way to prepare yourself for your exam. If you didn’t use them to study when you first sat your GSCE Maths, we strongly advise you use them this time around.

Past papers are valuable revision tools because:

1. You get used to the format of the paper
2. You can practice your timing
3. You’ll see how marks are allocated
4. You’ll be able to spot gaps in your knowledge
5. You’ll get used to exam conditions

Set aside the same amount of time that you'll have in the real exam and complete a paper without looking at your notes. You'll immediately know which areas need work and can ask your Maths tutor to explain anything you're struggling with.

Book your GCSE Maths exam

Although you’ll be studying the course online, when it comes to the exam you’ll need to sit it in person no matter which provider you choose.

There are two papers available for retaking GCSE Maths and you’ll need to choose which one you want to sit before you register for the exam.

You can choose to sit the Foundation tier exam where only Grades 1 to 5 (old G to low B) are available, or you can choose to sit the Higher tier exam where Grades 3 to 9 (old D to above A*) are available.

About six months before the exam date, you should book a place at an exam centre. Exam centres are usually schools or colleges that also have their own students sitting exams. You should also be prepared for what you'll need to take to your exam come the day!

If you're studying a Pearson Edexcel course, you can find exam centres near you using this search tool; however, this won’t cover every centre, so we recommend getting in touch with local schools and colleges to check if they accept private candidates. You should be aware that there’s a fee to sit the exam which you’ll pay directly to the exam centre. The exact cost of this will vary depending on which centre you chose.

Once you’ve resat your exam, all that’s left to do is to sit back and impatiently await your results!

While studying Maths can often make you feel uncertain, one thing is for sure - having the courage to retake your GCSE Maths is your first step to a brighter future, and resitting online has never been easier!

Ready to resit GCSE Maths online? Find out more about our flexible GCSE Maths course with unlimited tutor support and live online classrooms.