If you don’t get at least a grade 4 at GCSE Maths and English you have to retake until the age of 18, you can do this at college free of charge. I don’t pressure my kids but I did make it clear that they should try their best to get at least a grade 4 because having to resit GCSEs whilst studying A Levels for example would be difficult and they would make even more work for themselves.the
Some jobs/apprenticeships you need to have specifically passed at least English/Maths, sometimes science at GCSE, ideally 5 GCSEs. Some degree courses take into account your GCSE grades, my eldest had to have at least a grade 6 in certain subjects. They are important and keep your options open but Isabelle probably isn’t fully aware of this.