Other GCSE Alternatives

While GCSEs remain the most widely recognised qualifications at Key Stage 4, they are not the only option available to schools and students. A range of other alternative Level 2 qualifications (SDCs being one such option) offer valuable pathways that can complement or enhance the traditional GCSE curriculum – as illustrated by the grid below.

These qualifications often focus on applied learning, practical skills, and coursework-based assessment, making them well-suited to students with different learning styles or interests. Offering these alternatives allows schools to design more flexible, inclusive curricula that support broader engagement, deeper learning, and diverse post-16 progression routes.

Other options at KS3 and KS4 

If you are interested in further applied-learning qualifications and curriculum models to broaden assessment at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, take a look at these options. 

Project Qualifications at Level 3 (A Level)