Research by the Sutton Trust shows that the GCSE reforms of 2015 have had very little effect on attainment rates, and that the introduction of harder exams and the new grading system has led to a slightly bigger attainment gap between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged learners.
2% of disadvantaged learners gained the pre-reform A* grade, while only 1% achieved the new top grade of 9. Among non-disadvantaged pupils, 8% achieved A*, while only 5% achieved grade 9. The changes aimed to make the exams more rigorous and to differentiate more finely between grades, by switching from modules to final exams and increasing the number of grades from 7 to 9.
The newly published Curriculum and Assessment Review recommends the introduction of new level 1 preparation for GCSE qualifications for English language and for maths.
Check out the Skills for Life Network E-News Update November 2025 for a round up of what’s new and what’s happening in maths, English, ESOL and digital skills in the FE and Training sector.
Google Gemini Storybooks uses AI to generate online storybooks based on your prompts. The books include graphics and sound. It works in multiple languages and is free to use.
GCSE reforms have very little effect
Research by the Sutton Trust shows that the GCSE reforms of 2015 have had very little effect on attainment rates, and that the introduction of harder exams and the new grading system has led to a slightly bigger attainment gap between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged learners.
2% of disadvantaged learners gained the pre-reform A* grade, while only 1% achieved the new top grade of 9. Among non-disadvantaged pupils, 8% achieved A*, while only 5% achieved grade 9. The changes aimed to make the exams more rigorous and to differentiate more finely between grades, by switching from modules to final exams and increasing the number of grades from 7 to 9.
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