Research by Cambridge Assessment shows that 53 per cent of the students retaking GCSE English and 60 per cent of those retaking GCSE maths did not improve their grade.
Female students were more likely to improve their GCSE English grades than males, whilst the opposite was true for GCSE Mathematics, and students of high prior attainment were more likely than students of low prior attainment to achieve an improvement.
The research, published in the Spring edition of Research Matters, concludes:
“Although the policy of improving literacy and numeracy levels amongst school children and ensuring that all young people gain good qualifications in English and mathematics by the age of 19 seems to be a good idea, its implementation has perhaps not had the intended impact in practice.”
and goes on to say:
“There might be more fitting solutions or alternative pathways to enable students’ English and Mathematics skills to develop further (e.g. high-quality Functional Skills qualifications or other qualifications relevant to the world of work).”
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.
Which students benefit from retaking maths and English GCSEs post-16?
Research by Cambridge Assessment shows that 53 per cent of the students retaking GCSE English and 60 per cent of those retaking GCSE maths did not improve their grade.
Female students were more likely to improve their GCSE English grades than males, whilst the opposite was true for GCSE Mathematics, and students of high prior attainment were more likely than students of low prior attainment to achieve an improvement.
The research, published in the Spring edition of Research Matters, concludes:
“Although the policy of improving literacy and numeracy levels amongst school children and ensuring that all young people gain good qualifications in English and mathematics by the age of 19 seems to be a good idea, its implementation has perhaps not had the intended impact in practice.”
and goes on to say:
“There might be more fitting solutions or alternative pathways to enable students’ English and Mathematics skills to develop further (e.g. high-quality Functional Skills qualifications or other qualifications relevant to the world of work).”
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