GCSE Equivalent Qualifications

Birmingham Newman GCSE equivalency test

Applicants who have narrowly missed the required grade 4/C (or do not hold a recognised equivalent to GCSE English Language, Mathematics or Science), may wish to take an internal Newman equivalency test to demonstrate they meet the required standard for their chosen profession.

These tests are only open to applicants who have received an offer conditional on obtaining GCSEs or equivalent.

Please contact admissions@newman.ac.uk for latest information on dates and times

Accepted equivalencies

Many of our professional courses will have GCSE entry requirements: for example, all trainee teachers will need at least grade 4 (or C) GCSE English Language and Mathematics; plus grade 4 (or C) GCSE Science to train to teach at primary school. Such GCSE requirements will be clearly stated on relevant course pages and will be included in conditions of any offer if you do not already have the GCSE. However , there are a range of other qualifications we will accept as equivalent to GCSE.

English – accepted equivalencies

Overseas qualifications are accepted as GCSE equivalent when assessed as such by UK NARIC/UK ENIC
IGCSE/GCSE/’O’ Level English Language/English Studies at Grade C or above/New GCSE Grade 4 or above
A/AS Level English Language at Grade C or above
CSE English/English Language/English Studies at Grade 1
International Baccalaureate Higher/Standard English Language Grade 5+
12 Credits at Level 2 English from Access to HE Diploma
Equivalency test in English from www.equivalencytesting.com
Foundation Degree in English
Ordinary/Standard Irish Leaving Certificate in English Language O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)
Open University Modules in English Language on a case by case basis
IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in all components for PGCE programmes – IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all components for BA (Hons) Primary Education
Newman English Language Equivalency Test
AQA/WJEC/CCEA/Edexcel/Cambridge Level 1/Level 2 Certificate in English Language Grade C or above

Mathematics – accepted equivalencies

Overseas qualifications are accepted as GCSE equivalent when assessed as such by UK NARIC/UK ENIC
IGCSE/GCSE/’O’ Level Mathematics/Additional Mathematics at Grade C or above/New GCSE Grade 4 or above
A/AS Level Mathematics/Additional Mathematics at Grade C or above
CSE Mathematics Grade 1
International Baccalaureate Higher/Standard Mathematics at Grade 5+
Newman Mathematics Equivalency Test
12 Credits at Level 2 Mathematics from Access to HE Diploma
Equivalency test in Mathematics from www.equivalencytesting.com
Foundation Degree in Mathematics
Ordinary/Standard Irish Leaving Certificate Mathematics O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)
Open University Modules in Mathematics on a case by case basis
Open College Network (OCNWMN) Access with Maths modules
GCSE Methods in Mathematics OR Applications in Mathematics Grade C/4 or above.
AQA/WJEC/CCEA/Edexcel/Cambridge Level 1/Level 2 Certificate in Mathematics Grade C or above

Science – accepted equivalencies

IGCSE/GCSE/’O’ Level Science/Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Human Biology/General Science/Applied Science/Additional Science/Geology/Environmental Science/Electronics/Human Health and Physiology/Further Additional Applied Science at Grade C+/4+
CSE Science/Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Human Biology/General Science/Applied Science/Geology at Grade C or above
International Baccalaureate Higher/Standard Science/Environmental Systems and Societies at Grade 5+
Newman Science Equivalency Test
A/AS Level Science/Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Human Biology/General Science/Applied Science/Geology/Zoology Grade C or above
BTEC Level 2 First Certificate Science/Applied Science at Pass Grade
BTEC Level 2 First Diploma Science/Applied Science at Pass Grade
BTEC Level 2/Level 3 Extended Certificate in Science/Applied Science at Pass Grade
BTEC Level 2/Level 3 Extended Diploma in Science/Applied Science at Pass Grade
OCR Level 2 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Science/Applied Science at Pass Grade
IGNVQ Science at Pass Grade
Ordinary/Standard Irish Leaving Certificate in Physics/Chemistry/Biology Grades O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)
12 Credits at Level 2 Science/Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Human Biology from Access to HE Diploma
Equivalency test in Science from www.equivalencytesting.com
Foundation Degree in Science/Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Human Biology
Overseas qualifications are accepted as GCSE equivalent when assessed as such by UK NARIC/UK ENIC
BTEC Applied Science Subsidiary Diploma L3
BTEC L1/L2 First Award in Science at grade C
BTEC L1/L2 First Award in the Principles of Applied Science
BTEC L1/2 First Extended Certificate in Applied Science
BTEC First Award in Application Science
GCSE Double award accepted if applicant gains at least one grade C/4
Vocational Double Award in Applied Science Grade C or above

GCSE Equivalents that are not acceptable

Level 2 Key Skills in any subject
Level 2 Functional Skills in any subject
GCSE Psychology in lieu of Science
A-Level Psychology in lieu of Science
NVQ level 2 in any subject
Vocational Single Award in Additional Applied Science
AQA Free Standing Mathematics Qualifications
Functional Skills Level 3 Maths and English
AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
A-Level Mathematics Statistics
GCSE Use of Mathematics
OCR Level 2 in Adult Numeracy
OCR Level 1/2 Science in the Workplace
Indian Standard XII: 65% and above in the following boards: CBSE, CISCE, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in English Language
Science in the Workplace
Grade 12 Mathematics Pre-Calculus
Indian Secondary School Examination for English Language
Any additional on current list (excluding double award which we now accept one C/4)

Contact Admissions

GCSE Equivalent Qualifications

Birmingham Newman GCSE equivalency test

Accepted equivalencies

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