Applies to
16–18 study programmes
Threshold
GCSE grade 4 (9–4)
Grade 3 holders
Must take GCSE
Recorded via
ILR LDM / exemption codes
Who must continue
Students with a GCSE grade 3 must be enrolled on a GCSE in that subject. Students below grade 3 may study either a GCSE or an approved stepping-stone qualification (such as Functional Skills) on the way to a GCSE.
- Grade 4 or above: condition already met
- Grade 3: must study GCSE
- Below grade 3: GCSE or approved stepping-stone
Exemptions
A small number of exemptions apply — for example certain EHC-plan circumstances or recognised overseas qualifications. These are recorded with the relevant ILR Learning Delivery Monitoring (LDM) codes so the student is correctly excluded from the condition.
Funding impact
Not enrolling eligible students on maths/English can lead to a reduction in the provider's 16–19 funding, so it is checked carefully in funding monitoring.
Indicative summary only. Always confirm against the official source documents before making funding or compliance decisions.