This article was updated in October 2025.
Choosing your GCSE options is a great opportunity to think about what you'd like to do in the future, but it can feel hard to make your choices – there are so many subjects to choose from!
To help you with your research, we've created The Ultimate Options Guide, where you can hear from students and teachers about some of the most popular GCSE and National subjects available and explore jobs that use them. Wherever you are in the UK, scroll down or use the menu on the left to find The Ultimate Options Guide for you!
GCSE options in England
What GCSE options are there?
There are many GCSE options on offer in England and you can explore some of the most popular subjects in The Ultimate Options Guide. It's intended as a companion to the information, advice and guidance offered by your school and teachers, so make sure you go along to your own school's options evening, if they have one, and check with your teachers to find out what rules apply in your school and which subjects might be best for you and your future.
In England, your compulsory subjects will be English, Maths and Science. Some schools might require you to take other subjects as well as these.
Find out everything you need to know about choosing your GCSEs in England here.
GCSE options in Northern Ireland
There are many GCSE options on offer in Northern Ireland and you can explore some of the most popular subjects in The Ultimate Options Guide. It's intended as a companion to the information, advice and guidance offered by your school and teachers, so make sure you go along to your own school's options evening, if they have one, and check with your teachers to find out what rules apply in your school and which subjects might be best for you and your future.
In Northern Ireland, your compulsory subjects will be English and Maths. Some schools might require you to take Religious Studies (RS) or other subjects.
Our guide for your options choices in Northern Ireland can be found here.
GCSE options in Wales
Wave 1 of the new reformed 'Made-for-Wales' GCSEs launched in September 2025 for students aged 14-16. The full range of new subjects will be launching in September 2026. The new GCSEs will replace existing GCSEs in those subjects.
Your compulsory subjects will be English, Maths, Science and Welsh. Some schools might require you to take other subjects as well as these. You can explore some of the brand new subjects in The Ultimate Options Guide.
The Ultimate Options Guide is intended as a companion to the information, advice and guidance offered by your school and teachers, so make sure you go along to your own school's options evening, if they have one, and check with your teachers to find out what rules apply in your school and which subjects might be best for you and your future.
Click here to explore a Welsh language version of The Ultimate Options Guide.
You can find out more about what the new 'Made-for-Wales' GCSEs options mean for you here.
National options in Scotland
I live in Scotland, what are my subject options?
There are many National options on offer in Scotland and you can explore some of the most popular subjects in The Ultimate Options Guide. It's intended as a companion to the information, advice and guidance offered by your school and teachers, so make sure you go along to your own school's options evening, if they have one, and check with your teachers to find out what rules apply in your school and which subjects might be best for you and your future.
Normally you can expect to choose a minimum of 6 National Qualification options. People often choose English and Maths and / or Applications of Maths as employers, colleges and universities can look favourably on these subjects.
For information on choosing your Nationals in Scotland click here.
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.
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