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.
This review of the evidence base for interventions intended to improve numeracy skills among adults aims to inform the development of policy in this area as part of the Multiply programme.Â
Check out the Skills for Life Network E-News Update January 2023 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.
The government has issued an important update report on the reform of Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications which will see new quality criteria and approval processes implemented.Â
These free Inside Scoop webinars will introduce you to tried and tested approaches developed by teachers in FE that you can use to improve attainment in maths.
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.
Read more
Further Information
Sign up for our e-News Update
Subscribe
You may also like
Numeracy skills interventions for adults – what works?
This review of the evidence base for interventions intended to improve numeracy skills among adults aims to inform the development of policy in this area as part of the Multiply programme.Â
Skills for Life Network E-News Update January 2023
Check out the Skills for Life Network E-News Update January 2023 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.
Reform of Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications
The government has issued an important update report on the reform of Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications which will see new quality criteria and approval processes implemented.Â
Tenders Update January 2023
Take a look at Tenders Update January 2023 for an overview of the latest opportunities open to providers of services to the Essential Skills sector.
Inside scoop webinars
These free Inside Scoop webinars will introduce you to tried and tested approaches developed by teachers in FE that you can use to improve attainment in maths.