Move forward in your career with GCSEs

GCSE qualifications are a key stepping stone to further education, higher education and many job roles. They provide strong foundations for future success and are often a minimum requirement for progressing in work or study.

Achieving a Level 2 or higher qualification in can make a real difference to your future, including improving your employment prospects and increasing your lifetime earning potential.

Whether you are returning to learning or looking to strengthen your skills, our GCSE courses are designed to fit around your life and help you reach your goals.

Take the next step and invest in your future with a GCSE qualification.

Overview

If you need a science GCSE to progress to further study, such as teacher training or another higher-level course, this adult-only (19+) part-time GCSE Biology course can help you achieve it.

The course focuses primarily on foundation tier topics to help you achieve a pass grade (4 or 5). However, learners can also study higher-tier topics independently if they wish to aim for a higher grade.

You do not need to worry if it has been a while since you last studied. Our tutors are highly experienced in supporting adult learners returning to education and will guide you every step of the way. You will learn in small, supportive classes with other adults, creating a relaxed and encouraging learning environment.

This course will help you gain the scientific knowledge and qualifications needed to progress to your next goal.

What will I study?

Cell systems - cell structure, respiration, photosynthesis and enzymes.
Scaling up- diffusion, osmosis, mitosis, circulation and transport systems in plants and animals.
Organism level systems - nervous system, endocrine system and homeostasis.
Ecosystems.
Genes and inheritance.
Global challenges - monitoring the environment, health and disease.

Start date, attendance and fee

Start date - September 2026
Attendance - TBC
Fee - £811

Don’t let paying for the course hold you back from achieving your goals. You can split the cost of this course over four instalments. If you wish to pay in instalments, you will be required to pay 25% (£202.75) of the total fee on the day of enrolment and a Direct Debit mandate would then to be completed to enable the college to collect further three monthly payments of £202.75. The payments will be taken on the date you choose on the Direct Debit mandate form.

Please contact the college’s finance department for further details on 0808 100 3626.

Adult learning support and guidance

Starting something new can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. From careers guidance to mental health and wellbeing, we’re here to support you before you apply and throughout your time with us.
Visit our adult support page

Entry requirements
This course is only available to adults aged 19+.
- Acceptance on the course will be conditional upon sitting a short entry assessment. This will assess your knowledge of cell structure and interpreting data tables of biological information.
Assessment
The course is assessed by two written exam papers, which are sat in the summer. Each contributes 50% to your final GCSE grade.
- Paper 1 (FT) or 3 (HT) assesses syllabus sections B1 – B3 and B7.
- Paper 2 (FT) or 4 (HT) assesses syllabus section B4 – B7 (and assumes knowledge of sections B1 – B3).
(FT – foundation tier)
(HT – higher tier)
Careers
Funding options
You may be eligible for fee exemption depending on your circumstances. Please see our fees for adult learners page for more information.
Studying Sciences at West Notts College
Visit our sciences subject area to explore the full range of courses available.

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.