Students who fail GCSE English or maths will be forced to resit
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.Thousands of pupils who fail to achieve a top GCSE pass in maths or English will be forced to continue studying the subjects.
Ministers will insist that every college, school or employer offering training will enrol their students on maths and English courses until they achieve a C grade pass or quit education. The Government is already introducing a new education leaving age of 18 – which can mean anything from a day a week's training with an employer to studying full-time for A-levels.
At present, about 40 per cent of 16-year-olds fail to make the grade. The Government will introduce changes to regulations in September 2013. In most cases, the aim will be that the student resits their GCSE with a view to getting a top grade pass. There will be alternative qualifications for those for whom the hurdle in trying to get a C grade pass is deemed too high.
Professor Alison Woolf, who recommended the changes in a report on vocational qualifications, said: "The changes being made recognise that maths and English are the most important vocational as well as academic skills."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments