GCSEs, or General Certificate of Secondary Education, are academic qualifications taken by students in the United Kingdom, typically at the age of 16. They cover a wide range of subjects, including Mathematics, English, and Science, and are designed to assess a student's knowledge and skills in these areas. Students usually take their GCSE exams at the end of their secondary education, which is often around Year 11. The results can influence future educational opportunities, such as A-levels or vocational courses, and are important for college and job applications.