'Relentless' GCSE resit cycle 'simply not working', school and college leaders say
Summary
Many students in England keep failing and retaking their GCSE exams in maths and English, and this approach is not helping them succeed. The government plans to introduce a new easier qualification starting in 2028 to help students who struggle with these subjects before they retake the full GCSEs.Key Facts
- Around one in four GCSE maths and English exams are taken by students aged 17 or older, mainly resitting after failing.
- Most students who retake these exams continue to fail, creating a cycle that limits their opportunities.
- The Association of School and College Leaders says this constant resitting harms students’ education and career chances.
- The government will introduce a "stepping stone" qualification at Level 1 for students who do not pass GCSE maths or English by 2028.
- This stepping stone aims to prepare students better before they retake GCSE exams, offering an alternative route.
- Many jobs and courses still require GCSE passes in maths and English.
- Some students, like Tobias and Abdi, have faced multiple unsuccessful resits despite extra effort.
- Colleges usually enter students into resits when they believe the student is ready, but passing rates for older students are still low.
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