It is a priority to ensure that young people have good skills in English, Maths and basic ICT, as these are often essential for employment.

If a young person has not achieved a GCSE in English and Maths at the end of Year 11, they will continue to study these subjects alongside their post 16 course, until they achieve a Grade 4 or or turn 19 years old, whichever one comes first. Achieving a qualification in English and Maths is often a requirement to move onto other courses.

Courses in English and Maths, up to GCSE level, and basic ICT skills are usually free.