For parents

Does your child want to be an architect? Start with a GCSE-equivalent qualification

Choosing GCSEs can feel like a big decision when your child dreams of designing buildings. Archimake gives them a real head start — and a national qualification to show for it.

A group of teenage Archimakers holding up their design drawings with their tutors — Archimake students showing their design work at the end of a studio session. This kind of work can count towards a national qualification.

Bronze and Silver Award are Level 1 and Level 2 national qualifications, which are GCSE equivalent qualifications.

"Are his choices valid?"

One UK parent asked: "He wants to be an architect and is now choosing his GCSEs… Are his choices valid?" It's a question many families ask. There's no single GCSE that leads to architecture — what helps most is a portfolio of creative work, design thinking, and the confidence to present ideas.

That's exactly what Archimake builds, week by week.

Two teenage girls sketching designs by hand — Sketching by hand, the first skill of every architect.

How the pathway works

1. Try a £1 Trial

Start with a Trial Guided Workshop at home to see if your child enjoys it.

2. Join a 10-week course

Live online, in person at Paternoster Square, London, or Guided Workshops at home — drawing, model making and design.

3. Present at Project Review

Each term ends with a friendly Project Review where children present their work and build confidence.

4. Gain Bronze or Silver Award

Returning students can work towards Bronze Award (Level 1) and Silver Award (Level 2) — national qualifications that are GCSE equivalent.

Two teenage students building a card model together — Testing ideas in card: scale, materials and teamwork.

A student architecture model made of card and wooden sticks — A finished student model, ready for the portfolio.

A teenage girl proudly holding her card and wooden-stick model — Taught by qualified and early career architects with DBS certification.

Why it matters

A GCSE-equivalent qualification gained alongside school shows commitment and creative ability — useful for college, sixth form and, later, architecture applications.

Just as important, your child builds a portfolio of real design work and learns from people who do this for a living.

Start with a £1 Trial

Suitable for 7–18 year olds. Bursaries available — nobody priced out.

Book the £1 Trial →