In the UK a GCSE pass at English is one of the most important qualifications that you can possess. Even a seasoned graduate will be under qualified for many everyday jobs if they do not possess this certificate, luckily I got mine at first attempt as a 16 year old. In the current climate an employer will think of any reason possible to throw your CV in the bin, particularly with stories of some vacancies attracting over 200 applications for 1 job - not possessing GCSE English and GCSE Mathsat Grade C or above is one of the single biggest reasons for people not to get through the sifting stage. The good news is that it is never too late to get these qualifications, with so many institutions offering these GCSE English courses both online and offline - most of which are surprisingly affordable, in fact some people may be eligible to do an offline GCSE Course for free!

Before deciding to find a GCSE English Distance learning course, you should first determine whether or not you can save yourself some money by finding a free course at your local college or learning centre. Most local colleges will offer at least a daytime course, many will offer an evening course. Your course would likely be free if you meet any of the following criteria:-

• You are in receipt of Job Seeker's Allowance, Income Support or Working Tax Credit (for households earning less than £15,276), Housing or Council Tax Benefit, or Employment Support Allowance.
• You do not receive any of these benefits but you are an unwaged dependant of somebody receiving one of those benefits.
• If you are under the age of 19 and considered to be living at 'home' (e.g. with your parents).

If you do not fulfill these criteria, or indeed are just unable to attend college, then read on to find a review of the best deals for distance or online learning!

Oxford Open Learning (OOL) is one of the largest distance learning institutions if the country and its GCSE distance learning courses are excellent. Their English course is tutor marked over 8 assignments, one assignment for each module, in preparation for examination in the AQA GSCE English syllabus 3703. The assessment is completed through two written examinations worth a total of 60% of the mark, a further 20% of the marks are by oral examination and the final 20% is made up of a coursework assignment. The total cost of the course is £295, although this payment can be spread over 8 months. You will also need to pay an examination fee to your local centre.

The ICS are a long established institution who have been offering distance learning courses since 1890. Throughout your course you will complete four coursework assignments, an oral examination, and four formative assessments. This is followed by two exams at the end of the 12 month support period. Coursework makes up 40% of the overall grade, and the two exams make up the further 60%. The course will cost a total of £249, plus a further £21.80 to be paid to the AQA Examination board - like the OOL it is necessary for students to arrange an exam with their local examination centre, these are held in June each year.

The National Extension College, who operate as a not-for-profit organisation is another institution to offer GCSE English Distance Learning courses, they also come recommended by the British Council. The course covers the same AQA syllabus as the OOL and is spread over four pieces of coursework worth a total of 40% and two exams which are worth a total of 60% of the mark. The course comes complete with a comprehensive CD study aid, although it is more expensive than the other institutions on this list - with the course costing £334. You can however get a 10% discount by booking online, making the course cost £330. Like the other distance learning courses available, you will be responsible for finding and paying for a local exam paper.