Independent schools 'encouraged' by reforms

Mike Tomlinson made some powerful allies for his vision of exam reform yesterday.

Independent schools, who warned against replacing GCSEs and A-levels with a new diploma last month, were among the first to congratulate the former chief inspector of schools.

Edward Gould, Master of Marlborough College and a former chairman of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, which represents top boys' private schools, said of his colleagues: "I think they will be greatly encouraged by this consultation paper so long as we hear from the universities that they, too, are enthusiastic."

What tipped the scales was the removal of any element of compulsory sixth-form studies, apart from the core skills of maths, communication and IT and the extended essay or project to be completed by every student.

They had been worried that their pupils would lose the freedom to choose their sixth-form options if Mr Tomlinson had gone down the baccalaureate road, where a range of studies, including arts, languages, science and maths, are compulsory.

But he failed to win over key figures in the business world. Digby Jones, director general of the Confederation of British Industry, said firms "will still take some convincing" that the proposed overhaul would reduce basic literary and numeracy problems. He stopped short of his call last month for the inquiry to keep GCSEs and A-levels.

The positive reactions will make it easier for ministers. Charles Clarke, the Secretary of State for Education, has made it clear that reforming exams is a priority for Labour's general election manifesto next year.

He will be heartened if he can make a commitment to the introduction of the changes without the massed ranks of business and industry clamouring about the destruction of the "gold standard" of A-levels.

All are adamant that it will take a decade before any new system is fully implemented. Measured progress is necessary because of the fiasco of the 2000 curriculum reforms which ushered in AS-levels and failed to pilot the new A2s (the full A-level) resulting in exam boards failing to understand the marking standards for them.

There are some innovations that can be brought into effect without waiting for the go-ahead for the new diploma. Mr Tomlinson made it clear there could be action soon to ensure pupils do not need to sit AS-levels in subjects they intend to continue with to a full A-level.

A method for identifying the brightest pupils now that one in five candidates gets A-grade passes at A-level could also come into effect soon. A six- or seven-point grading system to replace A to E grades is one possibility.