text: alternative to higher english? i have failed higher english twice. i would like to pursue a career as a art & design teacher. at the moment iam completing a hnd interior design, i will do my 3rd year for degree then a pgde for secondary teaching.  i only have maths at standard grade 5, lol.  but in my 1st year hnd there was maths and communications i got a merit for both, would the models in my hnd help? thanks you'll need to check this out with the college/uni where you plan to do your pgce. most courses will insist you have gcse level maths and english (is that equivalent to 'highers'?), and as part of the pgce you'll have to complete the dfes skills tests in maths and english anyway to get your 'qualified teacher status'.  phone the admissions office and talk it through.