Letter: GCSEs' success
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: It is not the case that "the percentage of [GCSE] candidates awarded a grade C has risen more sharply than the proportion awarded As and Bs" (leading article, 26 August). In fact, the proportions were as follows: A* +0.3 per cent, A +0.2 per cent, B +0.4 per cent, C +0.2 per cent.
Your claim that "the gap between high and low-scoring pupils is rising" is something on which we have no evidence. The proportion of students leaving school without a single exam pass has fallen by 1.1 per cent to 6.6 per cent.
Teachers now have greater flexibility in the curriculum with 14- to 16- year-olds to enable those who can to spend some time at college or gaining work experience.
We are also encouraging schools to enter bright students a year or more early for one or two GCSEs where pupils are ready. This is not, as Bethan Marshall claims ("I want my children to be educated, not just examined", 26 August) because we see exams as the only way to stretch bright pupils, but as a complementary measure alongside new summer schools and extra classes for gifted children.
The evidence is that the accessibility and motivational impact of GCSEs has contributed a great deal to the significant rise in staying-on rates and achievement of young people since 1988. Greater vocational opportunities will reinforce this trend.
DAVID BLUNKETT
Secretary of State
Department for Education and Employment
London SW1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments