Compulsory Subjects

In England, subjects at Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) are divided into core subjects, which everyone must take, and foundation subjects, which schools are required to provide but which do not always lead to a GCSE.

1. The Core Subjects (Mandatory GCSEs)

These are the "big three" that almost every student in England will sit exams for. They are considered essential for further education and employment.

• English: Split into two separate GCSEs: English Language and English Literature.

• Mathematics: A single GCSE.

• Science: Either Combined Science (worth two GCSEs) or Triple Science (separate GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).

2. Compulsory Foundation Subjects

Schools must provide these subjects by law, though they are not always taken as formal GCSE exams.

• Computing: This is integrated into other lesson delivery or taken as a specific GCSE Option.

• Physical Education (PE): While "Core PE" is mandatory for health and fitness, you do not have to take the "GCSE PE" exam unless you choose it as an option.

• Citizenship (PSHE): This covers not only your rights, responsibilities, and how the UK legal and political systems work but it also includes Relationships, Sex and Health Education as part of a schools statutory requirements.