Lack of confidence in GCSEs – what’s the answer?

By: Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader

Wednesday 08 May 2013

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A recent survey conducted by qualifications regulator Ofqual suggests that many teachers, heads and parents lack confidence in GCSE grades. The research (carried out by 4,686 people) showed that four out of five head teachers and two-thirds of teachers have had their confidence knocked by the grading controversy of last year.

Ofqual would like to see faith in GCSEs restored, but what’s the answer and how can these concerns be addressed? Michael Gove suggests that the survey highlights the need for fundamental reform. A Department for Education spokesperson stated, "New GCSEs will be introduced from 2015 - they will be more rigorous, with deeper subject content and will match the best equivalent exams in the world.”

However, is the lack of confidence displayed in the survey more to do with exam marking than exam content? Is there a need for stability rather than change? Could further reform risk undermining confidence further? What do you think?

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Authors

Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader
96 posts
David Grailey

Chief Executive
79 posts
Andrew Gladstone-Heighton

Policy Leader
75 posts
Esme Winch

Managing Director
35 posts
Michael Lemin

Policy and Research Manager
25 posts

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