Should every student be required to take a GCSE exam at the end of Year Eleven?

Yes, but if students wish to focus on vocational and skills-based qualifications, only require maths, english, and Combined science (unless two or more science subjects are sat), as well as a coursework-based humanities subject.

Yes, but the curriculum needs reworking and certain compulsory subjects such as English and Maths should not be part of it. We need maths in context to live life but we don’t need to force kids who are never going to understand numbers to do quadratic equations to get to where they want to be

Yes, GCSE exams should be required, but not for people with learning disabilities or people going to vocational schools.

No I believe a GCSE does not prove a child’s intellectual ability. Basics of reading, writing and maths should be assessed.

Yes they should for basic, English, Maths, science, IT but also offer vocational/skill based qualifications.

No vocational skill qualifications should be available as long as they will be considered equivalent

They should be able to take other internationally recognised qualifications too, the standard matters more than the specific content.

Yes, but exams should focus on application of knowledge and should be more coursework based. Exams are a pointless exercise in memory recall.

It depends. People need opportunity and freedom to choice and we need more vocational and skill-based qualifications to be available.

Yes should they want to apply for a university

I don’t agree with the terminal-exam structure but I do think every child should have to attempt to gain at least some qualification

Yes for most children. But for some, alternative qualifications should be available if it is within their best interest.

You do know Scotland doesn't have ELSE'S right?

Yes, as long as standards are improved to the point that it is possible for all students to take some form of GCSE exam.

no vocational and skill based should be but GCSE and higher education priortised

Students should be assessed on an ongoing basis.

Not English, GSCEs are irrelevant

Question does not include Scottish qualifications

Whole school system needs to be redone

Yes as it can help with getting into collage and apprenticeship but if something stops them from (struggling) help should be given to be able to have the base qualification

Yes, this can provide a baseline for what career path you can go into, there should also be further skill based qualifications if the student is already aware of what career they wish to pursue

Yes, for basic English, Maths, Science and IT, but also offer vocational/skill based qualifications.

Yes, but significantly reform the current GCSE curriculum and exam to make it less memorisation-based

if you have really high special needs like autism you wouldn't be able to do GCSEs but if you have autism and it isn't as high you'll still be able to do GCSEs

no, vocation or skill based qualification should be added. however maths and english should be a priority

Reform GCSEs for basic skills in applied maths, English, basic safety for science, tolerance in a culture based class and basic computer use

I support the option of offering alternative GCSE assessment methods alongside traditional written exams. At present, the majority of GCSEs rely heavily on reading and writing, unless a student qualifies for additional support. While reading and writing should remain part of the process, they should not be the only way a student can demonstrate understanding.

Some pupils would benefit from having questions read aloud, either via a computer or a trained invigilator, with the option to respond verbally using speech-to-text or recorded answers. This approach would prevent students from spending…  Read more a disproportionate amount of time trying to read and interpret questions. For those who struggle with reading comprehension, understanding a single question can take up a substantial portion of the exam, meaning they may not finish the paper. This often leads to panic, skipped questions, and difficulty moving on, which then negatively impacts overall performance.

Yes, but allow students to pursue other qualifications (e.g. college, apprenticeships) after completing their GCSEs.

Yes for most people regarding English and Maths (though some pupil’s should be given the option of Functional Skills in these lessons instead). No otherwise. Vocational options should be included.

Yes, for English, Maths and Science for the sake of literacy but also include vocational/skill based qualifications should also be available

Exams aren’t very good at actually showing one’s skills in a certain subject, especially when the student is deliberately put under stress - we should really be focusing on coursework & practical skill, ideally measured over the course of a school term.

Vocational classes ought to be available, but some necessary GCSEs ought not to be removed, and some such as Logic and Critical Thinking ought to be introduced.

Students shouldn’t be tested by a singular exam, there should be a series of practical tests, exams and other techniques where students can show their skills in other wayd

I think that some form of standardised testing is crucial for all students to earn base level qualifications that prevent them being ignored by employers, with the opportunity to either study further or to take skill base qualificaitons instead

Everyone should be required to take GCSE's but other qualifications such as vocational or skill based qualifications should be optional too.

Everyone has their own skills and even with those who failed GCSES need jobs. and no CEO should be able to exploit the working class

if students do not enjoy and are not very good at education they should havbe the opportunity to pick up labouring skills at an earlier age

No, vocational/skill-based qualifications should also be available, and a greater emphasis placed on coursework over the span of the GCSE

Many options should be available including leaving school.

I support tests throughout secondary education, with coursework pieces throughout rather than cramming everything in at the end of education

all students who are physically and mentally healthy enough to take dificult and life altering exams should be however people with certain disabilities and mental health issues should be exempt and or have the choice

Yes, every student should be required to take a GCSE exam at the end of Year Eleven but, if they do not perform well in the exam, of course there should be vocational or skill based qualifications available for them. It's a conversation to have after unless they as well as their parents and teachers can clearly see that the student would most likely fail all GCSE exams and it would just be a waste of time and mental anguish

I think GCSE English Language and Mathematics should be taken. However, the vocational courses are important too. Both GCSEs and Vocational courses could be valuable for those who are more theoretical or practical.

Yes, but only in two core subjects, maths and english - other subjects should be optional and vocational and skill based qualifications should also be available

Yes, and make sure that they are taking the exams for Maths, English, the three sciences and at least 4 others.

No GCSES are well intended however in order to keep our children reaching expected standards for every year group from primary to secondary schools there should be an end of year exam or assessment in every subject and the child must be moved down if they do not achieve a pass

No it’s not as important because why should under aged children have to take exams just to get into college and same with college like why do us teenagers have to take exams to get into university because why should our lives depend on a grade.

Every child receiving mainstream education. Some children in SEN schools who aren't able mentally to study at GCSE level should not. Children out of mainstream education for pure behavioural issues should be offered GCSE's as default. Too many jobs require GCSE maths and english - to not enforce does a disservice to our children.

GCSE’s are outdated and unnecessary. Students learning useless information that will not help them in the current world!

Depending on their educational level. They should complete an exam or course which fits their academic ability

Yes but not getting a grade 'a' to 'c' in Maths or English should be made obligatory as long as the student have done their best.

Yes, but only English and Maths should be mandatory, with the option to replace other GCSEs with vocational or skill based qualifications

if you are studying the ib ( international baccalaureate) more specifically the MYP (middle years program), you should be exempt from gcse and you are studying under the ib.

I think that an exam should be sat, to show how hard you’ve worked, but they should also be taking into account the world of the year.

Yes in regards to compulsory requirements for English, Mathematics and citizenship studies. Outside of those three students should be allowed to choose their own courses along side vocational and skill based qualification.

Im from Scotland students should be allowed to sit the exams that they are wanting without any teacher influence at all

They should take GCSEs, but GCSE results shouldn't play as much of a defining role in their future as they do currently.

no, they should learn longer content and jump straight to alevels and not have too much stress on exams

An vocational or skill based qualification should also be compulsory Only for English Language and maybe maths

Yes but with reasonable accommodations to disabled children so the UK doesn't end up the SOL problem the US had

No GCSES are only based on exam techniques and not on vocational, practical skills needed in the workplace

Vocational and skills based qualifications should receive the same respect as GCSE's. Students should not feel they are under achievers because they do not take GCSE's.

Exams should be open book as opposed to closed book as it requires skills more relevant in work place

Disabilities, not everyone is the same, some people are autistic, some people have mental disabilities, they should all have the same opportunity, regardless of what they have

Not every child is academic, for those who want to onto university for the high powered jobs - let them take an examination. Children can be assessed throughout their school years by work, assignments they produce.

They should have to do a GCSE in maths, English and science that can be in tandem with other subjects or a vocational option

Yes, it should be a requirement for the core subjects (maths, science and english) but vocational qualifications should also be encouraged.

Teacher assessed grades should be more widely implemented along side exams, as a GCSE exam doesn’t accurately present the skills, intellect nor the godnes of a person

Exams should remain but we should place less emphasis on exams and encourage more skills based and vocational assessments/qualifications

Yes, but only English Language and Maths should be compulsory whil making other vocational or skil based qualifications more available.

GCSE's are a valuable qualification especially for those who don't continue to further education and should be standard in state schools but private schools should be allowed to offer alternative pathways.

No they should have until they are 21 to take their GCSE fully funded due to the increase of home schooling

In the absence of alternative solutions (such as course work) of measuring the skill and knowledge in a given subject, I think exams are still relevant.

Allow other certifications and vocational skills exams, and if required allow them to only take English and Maths.

I don't think exams are fair to all learning styles or a particularly accurate measure of intelligence. They're more a test of memory and ability to function under pressure

Less GCSE’s should be examined, students should pick, those with extra needs should be able to take vocational courses. More specialist schools or hubs.

No, those with disabilities and issues that negatively impact them in a write exam should also have an alternative choice to obtain a fair chance

Yes, but also offer vocational training with exam as an alternative. Life is changing and education needs to modernise to keep abreast of developing educational/training requirements.

some children (esp those with SEN) are not equipped to manage exams. Assessment over a longer period would be a fairer way of assessing capabilities and skills

More on hands learning is needed ie first aid , fire self defence anything that would help the next generations to grow into strong confident adults who can provide a good service to the country especially if we go to war in the future .

Yes, but spread exams and assessments (essays etc) over a period of 12 years old to 16 years old (Year 11), so that the assessment is spread over many years

Yes but there should be compulsory topics and some practical exams that help more with becoming an adult such as finance, household chores and cooking.

No, exams are not a great way of determining how much pupils have learnt over their school life. Some people are really good at learning but terrible at exams

The system for determining how well someone does is based upon an exam that individuals can cram
what they need without proving how much they've actually learnt and absorbed, I think it causes a lot of unnecessary stress on the youth who could have a better evaluation to determine what skills+ knowledge they have and should be spending their time enjoying their youth. Not to mention that some students already have disadvantages like dyslexia which then may cap them at certain grades because they didn't have support accommodating them. Shouldn't every student have a chance to succeed with the highest grade they can?

no but continual assessment for basic core subjects like english, literature and maths should be done instead. The exam model is so partial.

I think that there should be more coursework factored into the education examinations as well as vocational and skill based qualifications

Yes, but combine with ongoing 'long term' projects. The qualitiy of the projects and exam results are combined to create a grade

Students progress should be measured but not necessarily through exams coursework should be used too

I'm neither yes or no. I think exams are important, but maybe if they have an equivalent for vocational and skill based qualifications too. Similarly to a BTEC and A-Level or Diploma and Degree

Yes. But only for core subjects: English, Maths and Science. Other vocational or skill based qualifications can be completed alongside this.

No, it should be based on whether students sit exams well or not, skill based examinations not necessarily written exams and pressure should be alleviated from students to refuse stress etc

No, and GCSE qualifications should be replaced with more advanced and rigorous syllabi that do no lead up to national exams to free up teaching time.

Not if they're in a special school, I think special school students are better off doing their own exams which are not GCSE's.

I think GCSEs in English and Maths are the only two subjects that are acceptable for GCSE terms. However, I think most subjects that all the rest of the subjects should be NVQs and BTECs.

We should improve the quality of education so that children choose to stay in school rather than having them required to be there.

Yes and no. Some vocational and skill based qualifications should be available but such things as English and Maths need their standards improving drastically. There is a severe decline in literacy among young people, including media literacy in all its forms, and this is an issue that does not fall on one or the other side of political squabbles but is a bipartisan issue.

No. This is very vague and does not account for students who have different learning needs, neurodivergence, and disability.

Yes because this promotes hard work, but there should be slightly less pressure put on them, and more post-GCSE options promoted for those who do not do as well

Education should be changed to be more reflective of the modern world current exams aren't supportive of this.