The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is the name of a set of English qualifications, taken by secondary school students at age of 14-16 (in some cases from 13) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (in Scotland, the equivalent is the Standard Grade). It is usually taken between these ages although some students may have the opportunity to take one or more GCSEs early. The education systems of other British territories, such as Gibraltar and ex-British (influenced) territory South Africa, also use the qualifications as supplied by the same examination boards. The International "version" of GCSE is IGCSE, which can be applied to the whole world and which includes some more options, such as coursework options, language options, etc. When GCSEs are taken in secondary school, they can often be combined with other certifications such as a GNVQ.

GCSEs are often a requirement for taking A-levels, a common type of university entrance requirement.