What are FCSEs?

Foundation Certificate of Secondary Education

  • FCSE stands for Foundation Certificate of Secondary Education.
  • FCSE tests may be taken by learners who have studied a course at National Curriculum Levels 4, 5 or 6.
  • FCSEs are qualifications at Level 1 in the National Qualifications Framework.
  • FCSE assessments may be taken at any stage of a course, when the learners are ready.
  • FCSEs are available only from AQA, in French, Spanish (2007 – restricted entry) plus German, Italian (2008 onwards – open to all centres).
  • Pupils can progress from FCSE to GCSE.

How are they assessed?

  • FCSEs are assessed by end-of-unit tests. Evidence from three of the twelve units must be submitted for moderation.
  • Listening and Reading tests are externally-set and centre-assessed.
  • Speaking and Writing tests are centre-set and centre-assessed.
  • FCSE Award are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.

FCSEs for first teaching from September 2007.