Choosing your GCSEs

The subjects you pick at 14 quietly open - or close - doors later. The trick is to keep the right ones open.

Usually required

English, Maths and Science are taken by almost everyone - and almost every route asks for them.

Good if: Everyone

Leads to: All paths

Smart move

A language, a humanity (history/geography) and something creative or technical keeps the most doors open.

Good if: If you're unsure

Leads to: Most degrees & jobs

If you know

Some careers want specific subjects (e.g. triple science for medicine). Check the career first, then pick.

Good if: If you have a goal

Leads to: A specific career

Robin's tips

How to choose well

A few honest pointers to help you decide - without the pressure.

Don’t over-narrow

You don’t have to decide your whole life now. Strong, broad GCSEs are the safest bet.

Grades matter more than picks

Doing well in a balanced set beats scraping through a "perfect" set.

Check the career

Every career profile here lists the subjects that lead to it. Start from a career you like.