Course Overview
Space travel, public health, predicting stock market prices - maths is an essential qualification for many career paths.
Our GCSE Maths course will show you the surprising applications of maths in everyday life as you explore topics like algebra, geometry and statistics. You’ll develop problem-solving and analytical skills as you discover how to unlock the power of maths in both practical and unexpected ways, whether you choose our online Foundation or Higher level course.
From basic arithmetic to complex algabraic equations, studying GCSE Maths allows you to explore and solve a wide range of problems. Your course will delve into various mathematical topics as you start to understand the significant role maths plays in our world.
Mathematics is essential for many careers including engineering, economics, data science, accountancy, financial management and trading, nursing, software development and education. If you want to study at university, entry requirements include GCSE Maths.
Start your journey to unlocking the power of maths in both practial and unexpected ways with our online GCSE Maths course.
If you are looking at completing a GCSE in one year, or if you are looking for more structured support including live online teaching from subject specialists, check out our fully supported one-year Structured Maths GCSE course. Achieve your goals, your way.
-
100% pass rate in 2024
-
Interactive course
-
1:1 tutor support
GCSE Maths at a glance
Our GCSE courses are offered in conjunction with leading UK examination boards and you’ll have to sit exams to get your qualification. Our Exams and Assessment page provides more information on sitting your exams.
Edexcel 1MA1
This is a tiered qualification. You must choose which tier to enter for:
- Foundation – grades 1 to 5. Grade 5 is the highest award you can achieve at this tier.
- Higher – grades 4 to 9. Grade 9 is the highest award you can achieve at this tier.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute to your final grade.
No additional set texts required.
Exams (three):
33.3% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes) (non-calculator)
33.3% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)
33.3% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
Reading (not included in the course fee):
There are some recommendations you may wish to refer to for additional reading.
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
Edexcel 1MA1
This is a tiered qualification. You must choose which tier to enter for:
- Foundation – grades 1 to 5. Grade 5 is the highest award you can achieve at this tier.
- Higher – grades 4 to 9. Grade 9 is the highest award you can achieve at this tier.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
No additional set texts required.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute to your final grade.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Reading (not included in the course fee):
There are some recommendations you may wish to refer to for additional reading.
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
Exams (three):
33.3% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes) (non-calculator)
33.3% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)
33.3% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
Edexcel 1MA1
This is a tiered qualification. You must choose which tier to enter for:
- Foundation – grades 1 to 5. Grade 5 is the highest award you can achieve at this tier.
- Higher – grades 4 to 9. Grade 9 is the highest award you can achieve at this tier.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute to your final grade.
No additional set texts required.
Exams (three):
33.3% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes) (non-calculator)
33.3% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)
33.3% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes) (calculator)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
Reading (not included in the course fee):
There are some recommendations you may wish to refer to for additional reading.
Internet access
Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.
Why study GCSE Maths
Future opportunities
- Studying Mathematics at AS or A level.
- A range of careers in fields such as accountancy, data analysis, financial management, financial trading, insurance, meteorology, nursing, quantity surveying, statistics, software development, architecture and education.
- Government research suggests that individuals who have the best maths skills and achieve academic qualifications in this subject, generally go on to earn a higher wage.
GCSE Maths taster
If you are curious to explore the beauty and utility of maths, our online GCSE Maths course will start your journey to mathematical excellence.
This free PDF taster provides an example of a topic from the course.
Download your free taster today, have a look around and contact us if you have any questions about the Maths GCSE course.
Flexible payments and financial help
- As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
- NEC’s fees for (I)GCSEs offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts and affordable finance options.
- Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
- Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.
Visit our Fee information page or
Study now, pay your way
It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 monthly repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.
To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.
The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and replayment plans see our Fee Information page.
| Course fee | £470 |
| Deposit | £47 |
| Amount of credit | £423 |
| Monthly payment | £35.25 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Total repayment | £470 |
| Cost of credit | £0.00 |
| Rate of interest | 0% APR representative |
Enrolling on more than one GCSE or IGCSE? Use voucher code GCSEMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.
Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor
You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.
MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS“As a small child I loved maths and that has never changed! As well as my own passion for the subject I love to teach the subject to others, helping them overcome any fear of the subject and showing them just how rewarding the study of maths can be. My approach to teaching has always been to help students to be the best that they can possibly be; no question is too trivial, there is no such thing as a dumb question, the dumb thing to do is not to ask! I have a keen interest in how students learn. I have been involved in education throughout my career, specialising in mathematics and IT as a teacher in schools, as a distance learning tutor and also a trainer, so I am used to teaching all ages. I also have a great deal of examining experience and am a Member of the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors.”
Additional support for under 18s
We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.
Talk to one of our course advisors
Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.
NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.
You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.
Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.
Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.
Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.
We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.
Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.
Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.
Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.
If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.
Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!
If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.
Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.
Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:
Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.
Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.
Our team is happy to help you explore your options.
People who study GCSE Maths also take…
Want to study more than one subject? We offer a 10% multi-buy offer when you enrol on two or more courses together.
Physics IGCSE
How is energy transferred and conserved? How does sound and light travel? What is radioactivity? If you are keen to understand how things work or want to explore ‘big ideas’ that explain our world and universe, physics is the ideal course for you.
TEST PAGE Chemistry IGCSE
Ignite your passion for this complex and interesting subject as you dive into the fascinating world of chemistry through engaging online content and practical experiments you can do at home.
Business IGCSE
Ever dreamt of running your own company or leading a team to success? Unleash your business potential and build a solid foundation for a successful career in business.
Computer Science IGCSE
Dive beyond the realm of basic computer users to understand the complexities of computer processes and the impact they create. From programming basics to complex algorithms, studying computer science allows you to explore and understand the digital world.
