Who has to keep studying maths and English?
The rule is called the maths and English condition of funding. It applies to students aged 16 to 18 (up to 25 with an education, health and care plan) on a 16 to 19 study programme or T Level of 150 planned hours or more who did not get a grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and/or English by the end of Year 11. It also applies to students aged 19 and over who are continuing a 16 to 19 programme.
It does not apply to apprentices, who have separate English and maths rules, or to adults studying outside a 16 to 19 programme. For 2026 to 2027 the DfE says the requirements stay the same as 2025 to 2026.
For English, a grade 4 in either GCSE English language or GCSE English literature meets the condition. If you need to resit, it is GCSE English language that you take.
What you must study, by grade
| Your GCSE grade | Full-time student (580+ hours, or 485+ if 18 or over) | Part-time student (150 to 579 hours) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 or above | Condition met, no further study required | Condition met |
| 3 | Must study GCSE in that subject | Any approved qualification, working towards GCSE grade 4 |
| 2 or below, or no GCSE | GCSE, or Functional Skills Level 2 (a level 1 or entry level qualification first if not ready) | Same as full time |
How much teaching you get
- Full-time students must be timetabled for at least 100 hours of maths and/or 100 hours of English teaching across the year, taught face to face as a whole class.
- The DfE also encourages colleges to add an extra 35 hours of maths for 2026 to 2027, about one more hour a week.
- Once you pass (GCSE grade 4, or a Functional Skills Level 2 pass if you started with a grade 2 or below), the condition is met for the rest of your programme.
- A new level 1 "progression to GCSE" qualification is being developed, so expect the options for lower grades to change in future years. Always check with your college.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free GCSE Maths practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
The November resit series
GCSE maths and GCSE English language are the only GCSEs with a November exam series in England. Every other subject, including English literature and the sciences, can only be resat in the summer.
Ofqual rules say you must be 16 or over on 31 August of that year to enter in November, so it is for post-16 students and adults, not Year 11. The papers, marks and grades are the same as in the summer, and boundaries are set so a grade 4 in November is the same standard as a grade 4 in June.
The November 2026 papers are being sat in early November, with results on 13 January 2027. Entries for each November series usually close in early October, and your centre will set an earlier internal deadline. If you miss November, the next chance is the summer 2027 series (last GCSE exam 18 June 2027, results 19 August 2027).
Not sure November is right for you? If you need several months of teaching to move up a grade, the summer series may give you a better chance. Practise first with our free GCSE Maths practice test and GCSE English Language practice test.
Resitting as a private candidate
- Find an exam centre that accepts private candidates. Not all schools and colleges do; many private exam centres, some colleges and some tutors' centres take external entries.
- Check which exam board and specification the centre offers (AQA, Pearson Edexcel or OCR) and revise for that one.
- For English language, ask about the spoken language endorsement. It is reported separately and does not change your 9 to 1 grade; if you have an earlier result, you may be able to carry it forward.
- Book well before the centre's deadline and pay the centre's fee. Fees are set by each centre and vary, so compare a few.
- Sit the exams on the national timetable dates. Results come from the exam board through the centre on the usual results day.
When Functional Skills is the better route
If your GCSE grade was 2 or below, a Functional Skills Level 2 pass meets the condition of funding, and your college can let you take it instead of the GCSE. Functional Skills is pass or fail, focuses on applying maths and English in real situations, and can be taken on demand rather than only in November or June.
It is not the right choice for everyone. Some sixth forms, universities and courses ask specifically for GCSE grade 4, so check your planned next step before you choose. Our guide Functional Skills vs GCSE compares the two in detail, and you can try a Functional Skills Maths Level 2 practice test.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to resit GCSE maths if I got a grade 3?
If you are 16 to 18 and on a full-time study programme, yes: with a grade 3 you must study GCSE maths. Part-time students with a grade 3 can take any approved qualification.
Can I do Functional Skills instead of a GCSE resit?
Yes, if your grade was 2 or below. A Functional Skills Level 2 pass meets the condition of funding for those students. With a grade 3 on a full-time programme, you must take GCSE.
Which GCSEs can I resit in November?
Only GCSE maths and GCSE English language, and only if you were 16 or over on 31 August of that year.
Is the November resit easier than the summer?
No. The papers follow the same specification, and Ofqual sets boundaries so each grade represents the same standard in November and June.
Do apprentices have to resit GCSEs?
Not under the condition of funding. Apprentices aged 16 to 18 must achieve English and maths qualifications to complete their apprenticeship if they do not already hold them, and that can include Functional Skills. For apprentices aged 19 and over, it is now up to the employer.
What if I got a 4 in English literature but a 3 in English language?
A grade 4 in either English GCSE meets the English condition of funding, so you do not have to keep studying English.
Official sources
- DfE: 16 to 19 funding, maths and English condition of funding 2026 to 2027
- Ofqual blog: GCSE English language and maths results from the November series
- DfE: English and maths requirements in apprenticeships
- AQA: Results days
Practice tests for these exams
GCSE Maths (9-1) Exam
GCSE Maths is the core maths qualification taken at 16 in England and a requirement for most college courses, apprenticeships and jobs.
GCSE English Language (9-1) Exam
GCSE English Language tests how well you read unseen fiction and non-fiction texts and how well you write for different purposes.
Functional Skills Maths Level 2 Exam
Functional Skills Maths Level 2 is an Ofqual-regulated qualification in practical maths for work and everyday life, at the same level as GCSE grades 4 to 9, and it is accepted in place of GCSE Maths grade 4 for apprenticeships and by many employers and colleges.
Functional Skills English Level 2 Exam
Functional Skills English Level 2 is a pass/fail qualification showing that you can read, write, speak and listen effectively for work, study and everyday life.
This guide is general information, checked November 2026, not official exam board guidance. Specifications and dates can change; confirm the details with your school or exam board.
