Can my son take Functional Skills for Maths and English instead of GCSEs?
This is at a mainstream school with ARP (which covers Maths and English). He has an EHCP and school think he will struggle even with the Functional Skills, but they say as a mainstream school they cannot let him only do the FS, he has to do the GCSEs in both subjects as well.
A: SenseCheck
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- 21 Mar 2026
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Yes
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Other
RJ
Can my son take Functional Skills for Maths and English instead of GCSEs?
In principle, yes. A mainstream school with an ARP is not necessarily required, simply because it is mainstream, to enter every pupil for GCSE Maths and English. The key question is what is appropriate for the individual child’s needs, having regard to the EHCP and the child’s ability to access the course.
If the evidence shows that GCSEs are not a realistic or suitable route, the school should not rely on a blanket statement that the child “has to” take GCSEs as well. Its position should be based on the child’s special educational needs and the evidence, rather than on a supposed rule said to apply in every mainstream school.
If the school’s view is that your son may struggle even with Functional Skills, that does not in itself mean that he must take GCSEs as well. Rather, it suggests that careful consideration should be given to whether Functional Skills is an appropriate and realistic route for him, and to the provision he needs in order to access learning.
If there is a disagreement, it is sensible to ask the school to identify the exact policy or legal basis on which it says that Functional Skills-only cannot be offered. That may help to clarify whether the school is relying on a genuine requirement or simply expressing its own preference or practice.
This sets out the general position only. The position in your son’s case may depend on the particular facts, so this should not be taken as legal advice.
Best wishes,
Sean Kennedy
21 Mar 2026
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