Newman GCSE Equivalency Test

Applicants who have narrowly missed the required grade 4/C (or do not hold a recognised equivalent to GCSE English Language, Mathematics or Science), may wish to take an internal Newman equivalency test to demonstrate they meet the required standard for their chosen profession.

These tests are only open to applicants who have received an offer conditional on obtaining GCSEs or equivalent.

Please contact admissions@newman.ac.uk for latest information on dates and times

Accepted Equivalencies

Many of our professional courses will have GCSE entry requirements: for example, all trainee teachers will need at least grade 4 (or C) GCSE English Language and Mathematics; plus grade 4 (or C) GCSE Science to train to teach at primary school. Such GCSE requirements will be clearly stated on relevant course pages and will be included in conditions of any offer if you do not already have the GCSE. However , there are a range of other qualifications we will accept as equivalent to GCSE.

English – accepted equivalencies 

  • IGCSE/GCSE/’O’ Level English Language/English Studies at Grade C or above/New GCSE Grade 4 or above
  • A/AS Level English Language at Grade C or above
  • CSE English/English Language/English Studies at Grade 1
  • International Baccalaureate Higher/Standard English Language Grade 5+
  • 12 Credits at Level 2 English from Access to HE Diploma
  • Equivalency test in English from www.equivalencytesting.com
  • Foundation Degree in English
  • Ordinary/Standard Irish Leaving Certificate in English Language O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)
  • Open University Modules in English Language on a case by case basis
  • IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in all components for PGCE programmes – IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all components for BA (Hons) Primary Education
  • Newman English Language Equivalency Test
  • AQA/WJEC/CCEA/Edexcel/Cambridge Level 1/Level 2 Certificate in English Language Grade C or above
  • Overseas qualifications are accepted as GCSE equivalent when assessed as such by UK NARIC/UK ENIC

Mathematics – accepted equivalencies 

  • IGCSE/GCSE/’O’ Level Mathematics/Additional Mathematics at Grade C or above/New GCSE Grade 4 or above
  • A/AS Level Mathematics/Additional Mathematics at Grade C or above
  • CSE Mathematics Grade 1
  • International Baccalaureate Higher/Standard Mathematics at Grade 5+
  • Newman Mathematics Equivalency Test
  • 12 Credits at Level 2 Mathematics from Access to HE Diploma
  • Equivalency test in Mathematics from www.equivalencytesting.com
  • Foundation Degree in Mathematics
  • Ordinary/Standard Irish Leaving Certificate Mathematics O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)
  • Open University Modules in Mathematics on a case by case basis
  • Open College Network (OCNWMN) Access with Maths modules
  • GCSE Methods in Mathematics OR Applications in Mathematics Grade C/4 or above.
  • AQA/WJEC/CCEA/Edexcel/Cambridge Level 1/Level 2 Certificate in Mathematics Grade C or above
  • Overseas qualifications are accepted as GCSE equivalent when assessed as such by UK NARIC/UK ENIC

Science – accepted equivalencies 

  • IGCSE/GCSE/’O’ Level Science/Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Human Biology/General Science/Applied Science/Additional Science/Geology/Environmental Science/Electronics/Human Health and Physiology/Further Additional Applied Science at Grade C+/4+
  • CSE Science/Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Human Biology/General Science/Applied Science/Geology at Grade C or above
  • International Baccalaureate Higher/Standard Science/Environmental Systems and Societies at Grade 5+
  • Newman Science Equivalency Test
  • A/AS Level Science/Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Human Biology/General Science/Applied Science/Geology/Zoology Grade C or above
  • BTEC Level 2 First Certificate Science/Applied Science at Pass Grade
  • BTEC Level 2 First Diploma Science/Applied Science at Pass Grade
  • BTEC Level 2/Level 3 Extended Certificate in Science/Applied Science at Pass Grade
  • BTEC Level 2/Level 3 Extended Diploma in Science/Applied Science at Pass Grade
  • OCR Level 2 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Science/Applied Science at Pass Grade
  • IGNVQ Science at Pass Grade
  • Ordinary/Standard Irish Leaving Certificate in Physics/Chemistry/Biology Grades O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)
  • 12 Credits at Level 2 Science/Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Human Biology from Access to HE Diploma
  • Equivalency test in Science from www.equivalencytesting.com
  • Foundation Degree in Science/Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Human Biology
  • Overseas qualifications are accepted as GCSE equivalent when assessed as such by UK NARIC/UK ENIC
  • BTEC Applied Science Subsidiary Diploma L3
  • BTEC L1/L2 First Award in Science at grade C
  • BTEC L1/L2 First Award in the Principles of Applied Science
  • BTEC L1/2 First Extended Certificate in Applied Science
  • BTEC First Award in Application Science
  • GCSE Double award accepted if applicant gains at least one grade C/4
  • Vocational Double Award in Applied Science Grade C or above

GCSE Equivalents that are not acceptable

  • Level 2 Key Skills in any subject
  • Level 2 Functional Skills in any subject
  • GCSE Psychology in lieu of Science
  • A-Level Psychology in lieu of Science
  • NVQ level 2 in any subject
  • Vocational Single Award in Additional Applied Science
  • AQA Free Standing Mathematics Qualifications
  • Functional Skills Level 3 Maths and English
  • AQA Certificate Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
  • A-Level Mathematics Statistics
  • GCSE Use of Mathematics
  • OCR Level 2 in Adult Numeracy
  • OCR Level 1/2 Science in the Workplace
  • Indian Standard XII: 65% and above in the following boards: CBSE, CISCE, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in English Language
  • Science in the Workplace
  • Grade 12 Mathematics Pre-Calculus
  • Indian Secondary School Examination for English Language
  • Any additional on current list (excluding double award which we now accept one C/4)

FAQs and Additional Information

Tests will be held at Newman University Campus

You will need to complete an online registration form which can be found in the ‘how do I apply’ FAQ below. If you are eligible to take the test you will receive confirmation and further details from the Newman University Admissions team.

If you have any questions about the test or process, please see the FAQs below.

The equivalency tests will be applicable to Newman University offer holders whose conditions include GCSE English, Mathematics and/or Science.

Please ensure that you have referred to the FAQs before getting in touch with our team.

 

 

 

If you are eligible to take this test, you will receive confirmation and further details form the Newman University Admissions team.

If you do not have an offer from Newman University that is conditional on obtaining GCSE English, Mathematics and/or Science, you will not be eligible to sit one of these tests.

You must provide:

  • Your Newman applicant ID (this will be on your welcome/offer email from us). If you apply through Clearing, we will need your UCAS or Clearing ID number. If we cannot match your test booking with a valid application, it will not be accepted.
  • Your Newman student ID if you are an existing student requiring this test to progress into the next academic year

You will need to bring a photographic ID with details matching those provided on your application. We will accept: passport, UK drivers’ licence, Students’ Union card, UK University or FE College ID card, UK Armed Forces or Emergency Services ID, or UK Local Authority ID. You will not be permitted to sit the test without one of these forms of ID.

There is no fee for these tests.

No.

These tests are only available to offer holders or those who have applied through Clearing. You will be given the opportunity to sit the test(s) only if it is a requirement for entry onto your course.

Yes, you can. However, please remember this is a GCSE equivalency in order to gain entry onto one of our programmes.  We would like to emphasise how important it is that you focus on your GCSE(s) if you are still working towards them, as GCSE qualifications are recognised across the UK by academic institutions and employers.

Further test dates will be available after GCSE results are published, so we would advise you wait until you have your results and then decide whether or not you need the extra test.

No.

The test paper(s) are written by our academic staff so will only be valid for your offer, as instructed by admissions, for the specified course at Newman University. The test carries no credits. You cannot use this equivalency test for entry on to any other course not specified at our University or for entry to another university.

Tests last approximately 2 hours. Further details regarding the time and duration of each test will be sent with your booking confirmation.

The tests do not relate to any particular exam board. The exam papers ask GCSE-level questions designed by our academic staff. We recommend using BBC Bitesize for revision purposes.

We would recommend you to visit www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize.

 

To pass you must achieve a minimum of:

50% for Science

56% for English

55% for Mathematics

After your exam, University staff have 10 working days to mark papers and we will then communicate to you by email whether you have passed or failed. During the Clearing period up until enrolment, the University will endeavour to have as short as possible turn around times of marking, as possible.

Admissions will email you directly of your result as soon as possible following the 10 working days (or sooner during Clearing) we have to mark your paper. Please note GCSE Equivalency tests can only result in a pass or fail, you will not be issued with a graded mark.

You are only able to take one re-sit of the exam test per year.

For Newman University Initial Teacher Education, tests will be valid for 3years.  You will need to contact admissions@newman.ac.uk  to check how long they will continue to accept your test result after you have successfully completed the test for other courses.

If you have a question that isn’t covered in this list please email admissions@newman.ac.uk.