Why English and Maths Are the ‘Golden Ticket’ for Employers
English and maths aren’t always everyone’s favourite subjects, but they can often be the key to unlocking future career and education opportunities.
At MK College, over 1,000 students are currently studying GCSE English or maths, with several hundred more working towards Functional Skills qualifications. These students come from a wide range of backgrounds, including ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learners looking to improve their English and maths, students taking these subjects alongside vocational courses or apprenticeships, and adults returning to education to gain essential qualifications later in life.
Here, Tamsyn Kramer, Head of English at MK College, and Tom Heath, Head of Maths, discuss why these subjects are vital for success—no matter what career path students choose.
Why Are English and Maths So Important for Success?
Tamsyn: English and maths open doors, providing students with more opportunities in college and beyond. GCSE or Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications are the ‘golden ticket’ that many employers look for. Higher-level courses often require these qualifications, so having them gives students greater flexibility in their future choices. If a student’s chosen career requires university study, they will need GCSE English and maths or a Functional Skills Level 2 qualification to progress.
Tom: For adult learners, gaining English and maths qualifications can be life changing. Many have been held back in their careers due to a lack of qualifications and gaining them can boost confidence and increase earning potential. It also allows them to support their children with schoolwork. One of our current GCSE Maths students is over 70 years old proving that it’s never too late to learn!
How Do English and Maths Help Develop Other Essential Skills?
Tamsyn: English is all about communication, which is one of the top soft skills employers look for. Strong written and spoken communication skills are essential in every profession.
Tom: Maths develops problem-solving and analytical thinking, which are crucial in many careers. We also relate maths to vocational subjects wherever possible—for example, construction students use Pythagoras’ theorem for roof beams, while sports students work with percentages to calculate BMI. Maths also builds essential life skills, such as budgeting and scheduling, which are valuable in both personal and professional life.
How Does the College Support Students Who Find English and Maths Challenging?
Tom: We offer additional study and revision sessions, including holiday workshops. Many of our tutors provide extra support at lunchtimes, before and after lessons. We also offer online resources, such as Maths Watch, which provides personalised learning targets. For students who cannot attend college in person, we supply electronic resources to ensure they don’t miss out.
Tamsyn: We encourage parents to get involved so they can support their children at home. Our aim is to be as flexible as possible and cater to students’ individual needs.
How Can GCSE English and Maths Help Students Progress in Their Careers?
Tom: Passing English and maths can make a huge difference to a student’s future. One of our biggest success stories is Madi, who struggled with maths for three years, failing every time—though she got closer with each attempt. With determination and support from her tutor, she finally achieved a Grade 4, which allowed her to pursue her dream of studying midwifery at university. Her story is proof that perseverance, self-belief, and hard work can lead to success.
How Can Parents Support Their Child’s Learning in English and Maths?
Tom: At the start of each academic year, we hold parent information sessions, sharing key dates and useful revision resources. We also encourage parents to build strong relationships with teachers to better support their children’s learning.
Tamsyn: Parents can help by ensuring their child knows their exam dates—please don’t book holidays during GCSE exams! Supporting good study habits, making sure they arrive at college on time, and encouraging them to get enough sleep and eat a healthy breakfast on exam days can make a big difference.
Useful English and Maths Revision Resources
For English GCSE (AQA Exam Board):
- Seneca Learning – Free online revision platform: AQA GCSE English Language
- Mr Bruff Revision Videos – Watch on Bing Videos
- BBC Bitesize – GCSE English Language
- Past Papers & Mark Schemes – AQA English GCSE Resources
For Maths GCSE:
- MathsWatch – https://vle.mathswatch.co.uk/vle/
- Mr Corbett Maths – https://corbettmaths.com/
- BBC Bitesize – https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z8sg6fr
GCSE English and Maths Exam Dates 2025
English GCSE Exam Dates:
- Paper 1: Friday 23rd May
- Paper 2: Friday 6th June
Maths GCSE Exam Dates:
- Paper 1: Thursday 15th May
- Paper 2: Wednesday 4th June
- Paper 3: Wednesday 11th June