Maths GCSE
GCSE 9-1 in Mathematics
Build confidence. Open doors. Reach your potential.
Mathematics is a cornerstone of everyday life, education and the workplace. Whether you're aiming for university, seeking career progression or want to support your children with homework, a GCSE in Maths can be a powerful, life-enhancing qualification.
At Newcastle City Learning, we understand that returning to study as an adult can feel daunting and that’s why we provide a welcoming, supportive environment where learners of all backgrounds can thrive. Our courses are specifically designed for adults and offer flexible delivery. You'll benefit from a highly experienced, approachable teacher who is committed to making maths understandable and enjoyable.
Length: 3 hours per week with additional homework on Dr Frost.
Courses start September 2026 with exams in May and June 2027. There is one national exam window, so you must be available to attend all three exam dates. The provisional dates are Friday 14 May, Thursday 27 May and Monday 14 June 2027.
Study: face to face delivery or fully online on Google Classroom (you are required to attend weekly in person Google Meets).
You can study Foundation (up to grade 5) or Higher level (up to grade 9). You’ll have access to Google Classroom, where you'll find homework, quizzes, videos and interactive resources such as Dr Frost Maths and MathsPad.
Attendance: high levels of attendance and participation are required.
Our GCSE maths courses are funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority. They require minimum levels of attendance on courses to ensure appropriate use of public funds. Failure to attend sufficient hours, may result in you being withdrawn from your course. This will be taken on a case-by-case basis.
Location: face to face classes are at Westgate College; online classes take place on a Google Meet and good IT equipment is necessary.
Price: Free to all eligible learners who have not already achieved a GCSE at grade 4/C or above in maths.
Entry Requirements: There are no formal entry requirements. However, to enrol on the course you must complete and achieve a certain standard on our GCSE maths assessment. Contact one of the centres to book an initial assessment appointment.
What will I achieve? You will be awarded a GCSE grade 1 – 9 depending on the final mark in your exams and the agreed national grade boundaries.
Get in touch:
Call us on 0191 278 2818 or 0191 277 3520
Email us NCLGatewayEnquiries@newcastle.gov.uk
For information on the course:
Email stefania.istrat@newcastle.gov.uk
Learner Testimonials
“An awesome teacher is hard to find, difficult to part with and impossible to forget. Thank you Stefania.”
“Stefania is the best teacher ever. You made maths fun and easy.”
“Come to learn with Stefania, you will not regret it. [She] is one of the best teachers I have come across.”
Why study GCSE Maths with us?
✔️ Gain a qualification that employers and universities value
✔️ 100% Pass Rate with high grades – summer 2025
✔️ Learn in a supportive, adult-focused environment where no one is expected to “just know” it
✔️ Choose between Foundation and Higher Tier (based on your initial assessment)
✔️ Develop essential skills in maths and problem-solving
✔️ Our programme includes regular assessments, feedback and mock exams, so you're confident and well-prepared by the time your real exams arrive
✔️ You’ll be given structured revision support and exam preparation
What you’ll learn
Our GCSE Maths course follows the Pearson Edexcel 1MA1 specification. You’ll gain both theoretical understanding and practical skills across five key areas:
- Number — Confidently handle whole numbers, decimals, percentages, and fractions. Learn how to estimate, round, and solve calculations relevant to budgeting and everyday use.
- Algebra — Learn to simplify expressions, solve equations, explore sequences, and plot graphs — all useful for logical thinking and problem solving.
- Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change — Use proportional reasoning in contexts like recipes, maps, interest rates, and unit conversions.
- Geometry and Measure — Understand angles, shapes, area, volume, and transformations. Learn how to solve problems visually and spatially, including with vectors.
- Statistics and Probability — Analyse data, interpret charts, and understand averages, variation, and risk — key in fields from healthcare to business.
You'll also strengthen your ability to reason mathematically, justify answers, and interpret problems clearly — all valuable life skills.
Updated May 2026.