Learners are placed into English and maths groups using their previous qualifications, prior attainment, assessment information and starting point.

We use the same overall approach across our sites, including Lincoln, Newark, Air and Space Institute and Christ’s Hospital Terrace. However, group structures may look different depending on the size of the campus, the courses running there and the needs of the learner cohort.

At Lincoln, there are often more options for highly streamlined groups because it is the largest campus. At smaller sites, we use the same principles, but may need to organise groups more flexibly.

English and maths groupings may include learners working from different starting points, including those close to grade 4, those working at grade 3 or grade 2, and those better suited to a Functional Skills route.

Early assessment and diagnostics may also be used to help confirm the most appropriate group for you and, where relevant, your readiness for a November resit.

We take a holistic approach to English and maths so that learners can see how these skills apply to work, further study and everyday life.

Contextualised English and maths means that some learning will link English and maths skills to your vocational area. This helps you understand how these subjects relate to your course, your future career and your next steps.

Your English and/or maths programme may include:

• specialist English or maths teaching
• contextualised English or maths linked to your vocational area
• vocational activities where English and maths skills are applied in realistic situations
• independent study and online learning
• targeted revision or intervention where needed

Your timetable will show which sessions you need to attend.

Most learners studying English and/or maths will have a structured programme of English and/or maths lessons each week.

Depending on your pathway, timetable and starting point, this may include:

• specialist English or maths lessons, led by an English or maths specialist
• contextualised English or maths lessons, linked to your vocational area
• vocationally contextualised activities, where English and maths skills are applied through your main course

If you are on a pathway for learners who are very close to grade 4, you may have a more focused GCSE programme to support preparation for a November resit and/or summer exams.

Some learners who previously took GCSE English and/or maths in the summer series may be eligible to take a November resit.

Eligibility is based on clear criteria, including:

• evidence that you were close to achieving grade 4
• your previous grade and marks information, such as UMS score or raw score
• your baseline assessment early in September
• your attendance, engagement and readiness
• meeting evidence and entry cut-off dates

At enrolment, you should provide evidence of your previous results if you have it. This may include a statement of results or other verified digital evidence, such as the GCSE Results App.

Early in September, you may complete a baseline assessment to help confirm whether you are working at the level needed to have a realistic opportunity to achieve grade 4 or above in the November resit.

Learners preparing for a November resit are expected to maintain very high attendance. The expected attendance for the November resit pathway is 95%.

Learners on this pathway may receive a more focused GCSE programme, with additional support sessions where required. Focused revision days will also take place, including during October half-term.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, medical need, EHCP or another support need, please tell us as early as possible so we can talk with you about the support you may need in lessons and exams.

Access arrangements are adjustments that can be put in place for exams so that you have fair and appropriate access, based on your individual needs and your usual way of working in class.

Examples of support can include:

• extra time
• a reader
• a scribe
• a word processor
• coloured paper
• coloured overlays
• a reading pen
• other appropriate support where needed

Access arrangements are not automatically transferred from school or another college. This applies to all students, including students with an EHCP.

If you have had access arrangements before, or think you may need support in exams, please contact Student Services as early as possible. The College will talk through what support may help, make any applications where needed, and make sure tutors are informed of the support you need.

If you are being considered for a November GCSE resit, it is especially important to raise access arrangements early. Because the November exam series happens very soon after enrolment, access arrangements may not be in place for the November exam, particularly for new students or where supporting evidence is not available in time.

There are clear cut-off points for November entries and access arrangements, and we will be clear with you about what can realistically be guaranteed.

For access arrangements or exam support needs, contact the Access Arrangements Team on 01522 876225 or email accessarrangements@lincolncollege.ac.uk.

We check your progress in English and maths regularly throughout the year so that you know how you are getting on and what you need to improve next.

For GCSE English and maths, there are five key assessment points across the year. These include:

• three progress tests
• two mock exams

These assessments help teachers check your progress, identify gaps in learning and make sure support can be put in place quickly if needed.

For Functional Skills English and maths, there are also five key assessment points across the year. These progress points help teachers track how you are developing the skills needed for your qualification and prepare you for your next assessment or exam.

Your results are recorded and tracked on Markbook, which helps teachers monitor your progress over time, give feedback, and identify when extra revision, intervention or support may help.

Use Canvas regularly to:

• check announcements and updates
• access learning materials and revision resources
• complete independent study
• view support sessions and key dates

Where used, Century will help you practise the skills you need to improve.

You should also check your college email, Canvas and ProPortal regularly so that you do not miss important updates.

We want all learners to improve their grades and make progress in English and/or maths. Your teachers will set aspirational targets and help you understand what you need to do next.

Support may include:

• help from your English or maths teacher
• revision sessions
• additional intervention
• English and maths hubs or drop-in support where available
• independent study through Canvas, Century or other learning resources

If you need help, speak to your English or maths teacher first.

Please check this page, Canvas and ProPortal regularly, as dates may be updated during the year. Your personalised exam timetable will always be the most important document to follow.

Parent information events

• Parent information event – general: date to be confirmed
• Parent information event – November resit only: date to be confirmed
• Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 October 2026
• Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 February 2027
• Tuesday 30 March 2027
• Tuesday 6 April 2027
• Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 June 2027
• Weekly on Tuesday, 4.00pm–5.00pm
• Paper 1: Tuesday 3 November 2026
• Paper 2: Thursday 5 November 2026
• Paper 1: Wednesday 4 November 2026
• Paper 2: Friday 6 November 2026
• Paper 1: Monday 24 May 2027
• Paper 2: Tuesday 8 June 2027
• Paper 1: Friday 14 May 2027
• Paper 2: Thursday 27 May 2027

English and maths revision days

MEGA homework club

November resit exams

GCSE English Language (Pearson 2.0)

GCSE Mathematics (Eduqas)

Please see the eligibility information above. Not all learners will be entered for November resits.

Mock exams

Mock exam dates are to be confirmed.

Summer series exams

GCSE English Language (Pearson 2.0)

GCSE Mathematics (Eduqas)

All dates are subject to confirmation. Always check Canvas, ProPortal and college communications for the latest information.

Your approach to English and maths is part of being Be Ready. This means following the College’s ABC expectations in your English and maths lessons.

Attendance

For English and maths, this means you should:

• attend all your timetabled English and/or maths lessons
• arrive on time and ready to learn
• bring the right equipment for your lessons
• inform the College promptly about any unavoidable absence
• ask for help early if something is making attendance or learning difficult
• show respect to staff and other students
• follow college expectations for conduct and professional behaviour
• use appropriate and mature language
• take care of the learning environment and resources
• be ready to learn in every session
• take responsibility for your own learning
• engage positively in lessons and work towards your targets
• complete your work on time and to the best of your ability
• respond to feedback from your teachers
• complete independent study using Canvas, Century and other learning resources where required
• check your college emails, messages, Canvas and ProPortal regularly so you do not miss important updates

Good attendance in the first six weeks is especially important, as this is when groups are confirmed, support needs are identified and early progress is established.

Behaviour

For English and maths, this means you should:

These expectations apply in English and maths lessons just as much as they do across the rest of college life.

Commitment

For English and maths, this means you should:

By following the Be Ready ABC expectations in English and maths, you will give yourself the best chance of making progress and achieving your next step. 

If you are not sure who to speak to, start with your English or maths teacher.

For help with lessons, support, revision or your English and maths course

Speak to your English or maths teacher first, or contact the English and Maths Curriculum Leads.

English Curriculum Lead
Juliet Killey
Email: julietkilley@lincolncollege.ac.uk
Telephone: 01522 876000 ext. 6962

Maths Curriculum Lead
Dawn Atkinson
Email: dawnatkinson@lincolncollege.ac.uk
Telephone: 01522 876000 ext. 6619

For access arrangements or exam support needs

Contact the Access Arrangements Team on 01522 876225 or email accessarrangements@lincolncollege.ac.uk.

If you think you may need support in exams, raise this as early as possible.

For questions about exams or certificates

Speak to the Examinations Team at Reception, call 01522 876000 and ask for the exams team for your site, or email exams@lincolncollege.ac.uk.

For wider help with college support

You can also speak to Student Services, your Progress Coach, or your course tutor if you need help or are not sure what to do next.