English & Maths for 16-18s
Our Gateway 16–18 English & Maths Study Programme supports young people who need to develop their English and/or maths while preparing for their next step. Alongside English and maths, students can develop digital, employability and personal skills and explore vocational learning to help them progress to further study, an apprenticeship or employment.
Lambeth College’s Gateway 16–18 English & Maths Study Programme helps students improve their English, maths, employability and personal development skills, while also exploring a vocational subject that can support their next step.
Is this course for you?
This programme is for you if you’re 16–18 and haven’t yet achieved Grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language, maths, or both. You’ll study full-time, combining English and maths with a vocational subject and personal development support — everything you need to take a confident next step.
- Haven’t got your GCSE grades yet, or want to improve on what you achieved.
- Ready to commit to full-time study and sit your exams.
- Aged 16–18, or 19–24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan — EHCP.
- Not sure what level you’re at? Don’t worry — we’ll assess you and place you on the right pathway.
What experience and skills will you gain?
English and Maths
You’ll work towards either GCSE or Functional Skills qualifications, depending on your starting level.
- GCSE English Language and Maths (Edexcel, Level 2) — for students working at GCSE level, or progressing from Functional Skills.
- Functional Skills Entry Level 3 in English and Maths (Edexcel) — for students building foundations before moving to GCSE the following year.
Across both English and maths, you’ll develop reading, writing, spoken communication, number skills, problem solving and data handling — skills that matter in real life and work.
Vocational Pathway
Pick a subject that interests you. Your vocational pathway runs alongside your English and maths and leads to a Level 1 qualification, with a clear route to a full Level 2 course.
- Business and Entrepreneurship:
Explore how businesses are built, run and grown. From ideas to enterprise, this pathway suits anyone with an interest in starting something, working in business, or understanding how the world of work operates. Leads to the BTEC Introductory Award in Vocational Studies (Edexcel, Level 1). Progress to Level 2 Business or ICT courses. - Care, Wellbeing and Community:
If you care about people and want to make a difference in your community, in healthcare, or in social care settings, this pathway is for you. You’ll develop practical skills that open doors to roles where it really matters. Leads to the BTEC Introductory Award in Vocational Studies (Edexcel, Level 1). Progress to Level 2 Health & Social Care or Early Years Practitioner courses. - Digital Media and Esports:
From content creation to gaming culture, this pathway turns your digital interests into real skills. Learn about media production, the creative industries, and the business behind online platforms. Leads to the UAL Award in Art, Design and Media (Level 1). Progress to Level 2 Digital Media / Creative Industries.
Essential Digital Skills
All students work towards the Level 1 Award in Essential Digital Skills for Everyday Life (OCNLR). You’ll build confidence using digital tools for communication, research and staying safe online — skills increasingly expected by employers and essential for further study.
Personal Development and Careers Support
- Regular tutorial and one-to-one support sessions.
- Work experience placement.
- Access to careers guidance and advice.
- Enrichment activities throughout the year.
What you need to apply
- Aged 16–18, or 19–24 with an EHCP — please declare this at interview.
- No prior qualifications needed — just a commitment to attend regularly and sit your exams.
- Not a British citizen or haven’t lived in the UK for three years? Bring a passport or residency documentation.
- No course fees — the programme is fully funded for eligible learners.
How will you be assessed?
- GCSE English Language and Maths (Edexcel, Level 2) — formal written exams.
- Functional Skills Entry Level 3 (Edexcel) — written and spoken exams in realistic, everyday contexts.
- Essential Digital Skills (OCNLR, Level 1) — online test and portfolio tasks.
- Vocational pathway qualifications — coursework and portfolio evidence throughout the year.
Your teachers will track your progress through classwork, assignments and mock assessments, so support is always targeted where you need it most.
Where can this course take you?
We’ll work with you throughout the year to plan your next step. Here’s where Gateway students typically go:
- Level 2 vocational courses at LSBTC — many Gateway students progress directly onto a related Level 2 course in areas such as Business, Health & Social Care, or Digital Media / Creative Industries, then on to Level 3 and higher education.
- T Levels — GCSE English and maths at Grade 4 or above is typically required; this programme helps put you on track.
- Apprenticeships — most standards require Level 2 English and maths; the qualifications you earn here are what employers and providers look for.
- Employment — GCSE English and Maths are among the most requested qualifications by employers across every sector.
- Further English and Maths study — complete Entry Level 3 this year and move on to GCSE at Lambeth College the following year.
