Chinmaya Academy is pleased to offer its GCSE Religious Studies (GCSE RS) course starting September 2025 focussed on Hinduism and Sikhism for teenagers who will be starting in Year 9 or Year 10 in September 2025

The objective of these in-person classes is to prepare students to gain a cohesive understanding of Hinduism and Sikhism within the context of the UK based AQA GCSE syllabus.

Why take up this course?

Since most schools do not offer this combination of subjects, our GCSE RS course is an opportunity for students to:

  1. opt out of the Religious Studies at GCSE level in their respective schools, which often do not allow for Hinduism and Sikhism to be studied and instead benefit from the GCSE through Chinmaya Academy’s offering of the GCSE RS focussed on Hinduism and Sikhism
  2. potentially attain the GCSE RS by the end of year 10, helping students gain experience and practice of GCSE exam techniques a year before they sit the remainder of their GCSEs through their respective schools (normally at the end of year 11)
  3. study the GCSE through an interactive and fun filled approach towards learning the age old traditions and values of Hinduism and Sikhism. The academic course will be enhanced with workshops and additional talks from practising Hindus and Sikhs
  4. benefit from an ideal environment for young budding individuals to question and enquire issues faced in modern life in the context of the principles of the most ancient religious traditions. The course is structured to give a practical application of the philosophy of Hinduism and Sikhism on a day to day basis.
Register Here
Information Pack

Contact: Please feel free to contact the GCSE RS team on academy@chinmayauk.org for further information.

 

Frequently asked questions

How do I register for the course?

We would be pleased to receive your child’s registration which you can provide by using the following registration link: tinyurl.com/gcse2025

Please register for the course by 6th September 2025.

What is the age criteria for joining the course?

The course is open to students who will start Years 9 or 10 in September 2025.

Can my child join the course if he / she is just a little younger than the minimum age for joining the course?

This will not be possible.  We are applying the limits strictly. The students in the cohort starting in September 2025 will form a class of students who are of a similar age and in year 9 or 10 in school.  This enables students to have a shared experience based on similar age groups and groundings based on their school experience.

The course covers material such as euthanasia and other social issues which are not appropriate for participation by younger students.

If your child is not yet in Year 9, you can register your interest for the course by sending us an email at: academy@chinmayauk.org

Where will the course take place?

The September 2025 course will be taking place in three locations, one in Hendon (North London), one in Sutton (South London) and one in Gloucester (West England)

What if GCSE RS is already taught at my child’s school / is compulsory

You have a legal right to withdraw your child from their existing GCSE RS if you wish to do so, even if it is compulsory in the school. You should speak to your child’s school about the process for doing this.

If your child is already studying Hinduism as part of their GCSE RS in school, they can still join our course to supplement their learning.

What certificate will my child get at the end of the course?

The GCSE certificate is issued by AQA (the exam board). This is typically in August after the exams in May / June 2027.  This certificate will show the child’s achieved grade within the “9-to-1″ system that is currently in operation, with 9 being the highest grade and 1 being the lowest.

When does the course start? And how long is it?

The course starts on Sunday 14 September 2025 and will conclude with the GCSE exams in May / June 2027.  The dates for the GCSE exam are not presently set but classes will typically follow the schedule below in each location:

  • Hendon:  2nd Sunday of every month, 10am-4pm (with breaks for lunch and refreshments)
  • Sutton/Gloucester:  2nd and 4th Sundays of every month, 10am – 1pm (with a break for refreshments)

What is the cost of the course?

The cost is £150 / term.  Students in our Junior CHYK programme will have a concessionary rate of £120/ term.

If you will have difficulty paying these fees then please email us at academy@chinmayauk.org.

What is included in the cost of the course?

The cost includes all materials and the textbook.

Please note that we will not be providing meals.  Students are expected to bring along their own packed lunch.

If any outings or trips are to be organised we will write to you separately for consent and informing you of the related cost, if any.

What materials and equipment will my child need?

Each student will need to bring:

  • Writing materials
  • Their text book that will be provided by Chinmaya Academy

What is the subject matter of the GCSE?

The GCSE covers both fundamentals and more advanced subject matter for both faiths. Examples of fundamentals include worship rituals, festivals and sacred texts. Examples of more advanced subject matter include views on same-sex marriage and euthanasia.  The information pack has further details.

Why is the course on 2 religions?

The national curriculum stipulates that the RS GCSE is comprised of 2 faiths.  We are offering the course in Hinduism and Sikhism which are not available in most schools. Children can be of any religious denomination (or of no faith), to register for this course.

What is the teaching day like?

Hendon (once a month): The teaching day will start with opening prayers at 10am  and end with closing prayers at 4pm.  If there is any deviation from this, it will be communicated in advance.

During the day, students will participate in approximately 4.5 hours of classes with 45 minute break for lunch and shorter breaks of 15 minutes in each of the morning and afternoon sessions.

Sutton/Gloucester (twice a month):  Classes will take place from 9:30am – 1pm.  A short break of 15 mins will be provided during the 3.5 hour session.

What are the arrangements for lunch times?

Hendon class: Lunch time will normally be between 12:25pm and 1:10pm.  Students will need to bring some packed lunch but will be able to refill their water bottles during the day.  All meals at Chinmaya Kirti must be vegetarian.  We request you to please take care that students do not bring any non-vegetarian products including fish and eggs into the building.  No alcohol or tobacco is permitted in the building either.

Sutton/Gloucester class: the class will end by lunch time.

Will the classes be online?

No.  On each of the relevant study dates students will need to be present at their registered location (in Hendon, Sutton or Gloucester).

When will the GCSE exams be?

The exams for the proposed GCSE course will be in May / June 2027.  The exact dates have not been communicated by the exam board yet.