GCSE reform too fast, say MPs

The UK government's plans for abolishing GCSEs are trying to do too much, too fast, say the House of Commons education committee.

The committee has scrutinised the government's proposals for replacing GCSEs with new English Baccalaureate Certificates in some subjects. They fear that introducing several fundamental changes at the same time and to a tight timetable will jeopardise the quality of the reforms and may threaten the stability of the wider exam system. They also conclude that the government has not proved its case that GCSEs in key academic subjects should be abolished and replaced with new exams.

Launching 'From GCSEs to EBCs: the government's proposals for reform', Graham Stuart MP, chair of the education committee said, 'We have serious concerns about the government's proposed timetable for change. Ministers want to introduce a new qualification, require a step-change in standards, and alter the way exams are administered, all at the same time. We believe this is trying to do too much, too quickly and we call on the government to balance the pace of reform with the need to get it right.'