We will accept a range of qualifications (as listed below) instead of GCSE for our programmes which lead to qualified teacher status (QTS).
Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths are not considered to be equivalent to GCSE and are therefore not acceptable alternatives.
If your qualification is not listed below please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.
If you do not have the required GCSEs - or accepted equivalents - it may be possible for you to take a GCSE equivalency test.
Accepted equivalents
| Qualification | Grade |
|---|
| IGCSE |
C or above |
| O’ Level |
C or above |
| CSE |
Grade 1 |
| A/AS Level |
C or above |
| Access to HE Diploma awarded before 2014 |
Accepted if Diploma transcript states “GCSE eqivalent” |
| International Baccalaureate |
Higher/Standard Level grade 4 or above |
| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
O1-O4 or A-C/A1-C3 |
| Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) |
H1-H7 or A-D/A1-D3 |
| Level 2 BTEC First Certificate Science/Applied Science |
Pass |
| Level 2 BTEC First Diploma Science/Applied Science |
Pass |
| Level 2 OCR Award/Certificate/Diploma in Science/Applied Science |
Pass |
| USA High School Diploma – grade 12 subject passed |
2.0 or above |
| Italy – Diploma di Esame di Stato (maths and science only) |
6/10 for each subject in final year |
| France – Diplome du Baccalaureat (maths and science only) |
10 or above |
| India – Standard 12/Higher Secondary Certificate/All India Senior School Certificate Examination (maths and science only) |
Pass |
| West African Senior School Certificate |
A1-C6 |