You certainly don't need qualifications to join a modular course. The only reason GCSE's and A levels are req are for sponsorship,to set a standard but if you can prove to the airlines you can train yourself to Airline level then that is good enough for most. I have talked to loads of airline F/O's and Captains with no qualifications whom have come from such backgrounds as builders/train drivers/taxi drivers! If you have the will to succeed and the determination to achieve a lifetime ambition then nothing should stop you!(Except for the medical!)I for one have no GCSE's(no slagging off anyone, each to their own....)and I have already passed 7 JAR ATPL exams and thats at Oxford, all you need to do is remember the equasions, makes no difference if you don't know what a cosine or tangent does, just the order to press the buttons on your calculator(with some exceptions of course)!Yes, it would be easier with a firm understanding of all the jargon but you will learn it as you go along, either on your own or with a "know your maths" CDROM! Anyway, as I said, if that's what you want to do in life, not just "for a while" then go for it and don't look back, you don't want to look back on your'e one chance at life and say "if only I tried"? About the school that wouldn't take you, stuff them! Go somewhere that gives a damn or wants your money!(probably the latter) and if you ever lose faith, stand at the end of Heathrow's runway and watch them come in (you can tell when the pilot takes over from the autopilot as the wings wobble and the thrust goes up and down!), you'll soon regain your will to get there!.......Good luck in whatever you decide to do. See you on the flight deck.
P.S.....If you are taking the micky, don't be a nuissance, there are people here who really do give a damn and hopefully what is written here and also above will help someone but if you are serious, I would suggest an English GCSE............
[This message has been edited by Trainee pilot (edited 16 January 2001).]