Heartstopper season 2: What is the GCSE? (explained for the American audience)

Netflix’s beloved queer teen drama series Heartstopper, based on the webcomics and novels by Alice Oseman, is finally back! Heartstopper season 2 is here, and that means we get to see more from our favorite characters, like Nick, Charlie, Imogen, Darcy, Tao, and more.

In addition to new romances and changing dynamics, Heartstopper season 2 sees the main characters growing up and figuring out the next chapter of their lives and educational pursuits. You’ll hear the characters mention things like GCSE and sixth form throughout the new season, and, as an American, you might find yourself a bit confused regarding what they’re talking about.

Since Heartstopper is a British series, the characters often refer to U.K. education standards. The U.K. and the U.S. use similar methods in their education systems, but the U.K. has different terminology, making it hard to keep up with the show when you’re unsure precisely what they’re referring to!

For starters, Heartstopper season 2 sees all of the characters in secondary school, basically the same thing as high school. Nick is in year 11 (a junior), and Charlie is entering year 10 (a sophomore). The ages of characters like Nick, Charlie, Ben, Darcy, Tao, and Imogen range from 15 to 17, with the older students in year 11 and the younger ones in year 10.

Here’s everything you need to know about the educational terminology used in Heartstopper season 2!

Heartstopper Season 2: What is the GCSE?

GCSE is the “General Certificate of Secondary Education,” the American equivalent of a final exam before you get your high school diploma. GCSE examinations are tests divided by subject, so students take them for specific topics, like English literature, math, science, history, geography, etc. Another difference between countries is that in the U.K., students get to pick the topics they want to study or specialize in.

Students spend significant time studying for their GCSE exams (or just GCSEs as they’re sometimes called in the shorthand), just like American students would for their SATs or A.P. exams.

One of the main differences is that preparation for receiving your GCSE takes place over a span of a few years, usually starting in year 9 or year 10. Generally, the actual examination takes place during year 11.

What does sixth form mean in Heartstopper season 2?

Sixth form education refers to the final two years of secondary education in places like England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and more. Typically students are aged 16 to 18 during their sixth form years, comparable to senior year in the U.S. Sixth form allows students to focus more intently on the subjects that interest them most.

During their sixth form years, students will take their A-level exams, which help determine where they will go to university and in choosing their specialization. One significant difference between the U.K. and the U.S. is that in the U.K., you cannot declare your major as “undecided” for university, which is why the sixth form years are so crucial for students to figure out their specialization.