A-Level or GSCE Maths

I did GSCE in Maths and got a C in 2007, however due to how long ago this was, I barely remember anything. I am changing careers (from Property Management to IT/Cyber Security) and ideally need better Maths results/strengthen my Maths skills. Is it worth me retaking GSCE Maths or doing an A-Level in Maths?
Any advice/information would be much appreciated.

I did GSCE in Maths and got a C in 2007, however due to how long ago this was, I barely remember anything. I am changing careers (from Property Management to IT/Cyber Security) and ideally need better Maths results/strengthen my Maths skills. Is it worth me retaking GSCE Maths or doing an A-Level in Maths?
Any advice/information would be much appreciated.

A-level maths would be more respected than GCSE alone, but isn't necessary. However, if you go that route you would still need to consider the GCSE syllabus before you start, to refresh your memory, as much of A-level maths expands from that. For careers in IT/cybersec A-level isn't needed, so it would probably be easier to focus on retaking your GCSE, and maybe focusing the rest of your time into taking courses well respected by the IT industry: for example, if you got an A/B in GCSE Maths, but also had a CompTIA Security/A + or something like that, you'd be able to apply for and be considered for many more careers than if you just had A-level maths. Obviously it's up to you, but I would say it would probably be more beneficial for you to retake GCSE and maybe consider some IT qualifications.

I hope that helps! Best of luck

Thank you, that is helpful. I am currently also doing a COMPTIA + Level 7 Diploma Course as we speak.
I may wish to go into Cyber Security Architect role down the line after going into IT/Cyber Security Analyst role.

Do you just want to have better math skills in general or do you need an actual qualification? If you're applying for a specific course or job they may have a grade requirement in which case that should be your guide, so double-check if that's the case. If not you could look into doing something like functional skills (I don't fully understand how this works but it's equivalent to GCSE math and a lot of people do it as a refresher/if they don't have qualifications from school) or just study some GCSE and/or A-level textbooks without doing a formal course or taking an exam. If you can afford and have the time to take an actual qualification though I'd recommend that, it's always helpful to have - even if it's not a requirement of the job you're going into right now it might be in another one you want to progress to, and being up on the skills will help. Some private providers have a bundle for A-level and GCSE math that gives you a fairly big discount.

I'm in a similar position, also changing careers (mental health nursing to paramedic science), applying to uni but considering an apprenticeship route as well, I have a GED from 2018 which is technically transferable and would likely meet the grade requirements for the apprenticeship (C-grade math & english) but I decided to do GCSEs as well both for the convenience of not having to go through the whole grade transfer assessment/risking finding out I don't meet the requirements further down the line and because my current qualifications were a while ago and I didn't do super well in them so the GCSE courses are a good refresher and I have the chance at higher grade that will look better on my application.

Also seconding the comment about IT qualifications though, sector-specific training is always best - I don't know a ton about IT but I'd imagine there's a fair amount of math involved in those courses, and it will be math that's specifically useful for the IT (I'm finding the GCSE math has a lot of stuff in that would never be used in my profession, which is a bit annoying to study!!)

That's great, in that case I would definitely say any disadvantage of doing the GCSE is nullified by those qualifications. They also leave you in good stead if you do go down the Architect route . Good luck!

I did GSCE in Maths and got a C in 2007, however due to how long ago this was, I barely remember anything. I am changing careers (from Property Management to IT/Cyber Security) and ideally need better Maths results/strengthen my Maths skills. Is it worth me retaking GSCE Maths or doing an A-Level in Maths?
Any advice/information would be much appreciated.

You're in luck, as I have all the past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports for GCSE and IGCSE Maths as well as A-Level Maths and Further Maths. I can send them to you, if you PM me.

I won't be too difficult with the resources online, and also some YouTube channels presenting the entire topics with breakdown in understanding proving vital to one's success.

Pearson Edexcel is the most popular board. You should be able to get a 7 with ease, more likely 8 or 9.

Then it is up to you whether you want to do A-Level Maths, Further Maths and IT!!! lol

Here is a centre which accepts Private Candidates or otherwise known as External Candidates:

Campbell Harris College in Kensington, London is a short walk from High Street Kensington tube station.

Photo ID document (passport, driving licence or national photo ID card)

Passport-size photograph

Fees payable by card (not American Express) or cash.

Drop-in time for exam registration is between 1.00pm – 2.00pm Monday to Friday.

The exams are held at a huge hall:

St Mary Abbots Centre

Vicarage Gate

London W8 4HN

This venue is approximately 10 minutes’ walk from Campbell Harris (off Kensington Church Street).

https://www.campbellharris.co.uk/how-to-register

You're in luck, as I have all the past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports for GCSE and IGCSE Maths as well as A-Level Maths and Further Maths. I can send them to you, if you PM me.

I won't be too difficult with the resources online, and also some YouTube channels presenting the entire topics with breakdown in understanding proving vital to one's success.

Pearson Edexcel is the most popular board. You should be able to get a 7 with ease, more likely 8 or 9.

Then it is up to you whether you want to do A-Level Maths, Further Maths and IT!!! lol

Here is a centre which accepts Private Candidates or otherwise known as External Candidates:

Campbell Harris College in Kensington, London is a short walk from High Street Kensington tube station.

Photo ID document (passport, driving licence or national photo ID card)

Passport-size photograph

Fees payable by card (not American Express) or cash.

Drop-in time for exam registration is between 1.00pm – 2.00pm Monday to Friday.

The exams are held at a huge hall:

St Mary Abbots Centre

Vicarage Gate

London W8 4HN

This venue is approximately 10 minutes’ walk from Campbell Harris (off Kensington Church Street).

https://www.campbellharris.co.uk/how-to-register

Thank you so much, received your private message but still can't respond yet. Hopefully they will unlock that feature shortly. Just wanted to say thank you regardless

You might do Further Maths once you're done with Maths. lol