Certificate in Mathematical Studies
at Great Western Academy · school or sixth form
What the college says
Core maths has been developed to provide progression from GCSE Mathematics for those students not wanting to follow an A level course in the subject. It is specifically designed to equip learners to develop and apply real-world maths skills and support progression to university, employment or higher apprenticeships. The course is designed to motivate learners and aims to engage them with the maths around them in everyday life. If you are considering studying subjects such as Science, Geography, Business, Economics or social sciences at A level, core maths will be useful to help refine and develop skills to support your other subjects. Core maths is different from both GCSE and A Level mathematics. It uses real-world, relevant, content and offers opportunities for learners with context-based problem-solving tasks and opportunities. The course helps learners to view mathematics in context and equips them for the world around them, it supports studies in other subjects and prepares students for the next step in education or employment. Core Maths is about students doing meaningful mathematical problems to increase their confidence in using mathematics to be better equipped for the mathematical demands of other courses, higher education and employment. It has been designed to maintain and develop real-life mathematical skills. What students study is not purely theoretical or abstract; it can be applied on a day-to-day basis, whether in work, study or life. Most Core Maths courses
What you need to get on
GCSE Mathematics grade 4 *Core Mathematics can only be chosen as a 4th subject alongside 3 full A Levels
How you are assessed
Learning a trade with tools and equipment, often in a college workshop or salon.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
Great Western Academy
GREAT WESTERN ACADEMY WILLIAM MORRIS WAY, SWINDON, SN25 2PP
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 1 September 2026 · SWINDON
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
- Their version
Leeds · Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years
- Their version
Slough · South East · 1 year
- Their version
St Thomas More Catholic School
London · London · 1 year
- Their version
Huntingdon · East of England · 1 year
- Their version
Torquay · South West · 12 months
- Their version
Birmingham · West Midlands · 1 year
- Their version
Nottingham · East Midlands · 1 year
- Their version
London · London · 1 year