School league table performance issues are being blamed for the number of pupils sitting GCSE Maths earlier than they should.

In 2010, it was reckoned that around 25% of GCSE Maths pupils took the exam early. The results showed that 12% fewer students obtained an A*, A, or B grade taking the exam early, than those taking it at the normal time.*

By being encouraged to take GCSE maths early, pupils could be losing out on higher grades.

The figures also showed that 98% of the GCSE Maths pupils who sat the exam a year early and were awarded a D grade, went on to re-sit the following year.

Failing exams because they weren’t ready can have a damaging effect on pupils’ morale. There are also many adults in the UK who didn’t achieve a pass in GCSE Maths and never tried to re-sit the exam at school.

Going back to studying and looking for courses online as an adult can be a great thing to have on a C.V. Below are some of the reasons why people often go back and re-sit GCSE Maths later in life.

* To make themselves more employable

Unfortunately, many people leave school feeling they’ve underachieved in terms of exam results. With unemployment so high at the moment, particularly in young people, re-sitting GCSE Maths and other exams can boost someone’s chances of finding work.

There are lots of companies providing GCSE courses online, so it’s worthwhile taking some time to compare them and the level of support available.

* To help gain qualifications to apply for another course

Some pupils leave school without knowing what they really want to do. After working for a year or two, they may decide to go to College or University to study a specific subject.

The stumbling block for lots of people in this situation can be a lack of qualifications, for example good passes in GCSE Maths and English.

Many higher education establishments will insist on these as criteria to be accepted for many of their courses.

* To ‘plug a gap’ in their C.V.

Even when people are already in a job, not having GCSE and A Level Maths can prove a problem when it comes to promotion.

For example, if someone is hoping to move from a manufacturing job on the factory floor to a manager position, they will probably be expected to have some sort of track record of working well with figures.

ICS Learn provides distance learning qualifications in GCSE Maths, English and other subjects. Studying an online course offers great flexibility so you can keep earning while you learn.