UCAS Application - GCSEs and Access to HE

my top three choices require GCSE Maths/English at grade 5.
Each Uni may have a different stance on this so its best to contact each Uni and ask them.
Phoning is probably quicker than emailing at this time of year

I’m hoping for some advice regarding GCSE requirements and Access to HE courses.
On my UCAS application, I’ve applied to Durham, Liverpool (personal goal), Loughborough, Oxford Brookes, and Nottingham Trent.
For context, I left education at 15 and returned this year at 22 via an Access to HE course. Because I didn’t take GCSEs through traditional exams, I completed Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English, which I understand is equivalent to GCSE grade 4.
I’ve since realised that my top three choices require GCSE Maths/English at grade 5. I have faith that I will achieve the Access course requirements, but I’m unsure how strictly these universities apply the GCSE requirement for mature access students, particularly where Functional Skills are involved.
Academically, I’ve just received Distinctions on my first two Access assignments, and my tutors are encouraging me to aim high. I’m confident I can achieve a strong overall Access profile (potentially 30+ distinctions).
My question is:
Would it be sensible to keep my current choices and allow admissions teams to consider my Access performance and circumstances, or would it be safer to amend my choices now to universities that are known to be more flexible with GCSE equivalents?
I’m currently awaiting advice from my tutor as well, but I’d really value hearing from anyone on here also.
Thanks very much for any guidance.

I’m hoping for some advice regarding GCSE requirements and Access to HE courses.
On my UCAS application, I’ve applied to Durham, Liverpool (personal goal), Loughborough, Oxford Brookes, and Nottingham Trent.
For context, I left education at 15 and returned this year at 22 via an Access to HE course. Because I didn’t take GCSEs through traditional exams, I completed Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English, which I understand is equivalent to GCSE grade 4.
I’ve since realised that my top three choices require GCSE Maths/English at grade 5. I have faith that I will achieve the Access course requirements, but I’m unsure how strictly these universities apply the GCSE requirement for mature access students, particularly where Functional Skills are involved.
Academically, I’ve just received Distinctions on my first two Access assignments, and my tutors are encouraging me to aim high. I’m confident I can achieve a strong overall Access profile (potentially 30+ distinctions).
My question is:
Would it be sensible to keep my current choices and allow admissions teams to consider my Access performance and circumstances, or would it be safer to amend my choices now to universities that are known to be more flexible with GCSE equivalents?
I’m currently awaiting advice from my tutor as well, but I’d really value hearing from anyone on here also.
Thanks very much for any guidance.