GCSE exams are taken by pupils at the end of school year 11 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The exams are a uniform framework for academic performance, with students given grades ranging from “A to G.” Scotland has an independent system in which three different levels of exams are given to different age groups. Proponents argue that the GCSE encourages students to work hard in school and provides clarity for college admissions and employers. Opponents argue that standard end-of-year exams will encourage a narrow academic focus, over-regulate teachers and discourage instruction of the arts.
63% Yes |
37% No |
63% Yes |
15% No |
22% No, vocational or skill based qualifications should also be available |
See how support for each position on “GCSE Exams” has changed over time for 967k UK voters.
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See how importance of “GCSE Exams” has changed over time for 967k UK voters.
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Unique answers from UK users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@8FC68664yrs4Y
No GCSE exams are not a good source of measuring education and qualifications.
@9LQDDX53 days3D
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.
@9LC6KX53wks3W
No. This is very vague and does not account for students who have different learning needs, neurodivergence, and disability.
@9L7TXG84wks4W
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
@93D8PKY2yrs2Y
No, I believe exams are not a true show of knowledge
@93CXHXX2yrs2Y
They should, but there should also be programs to teach students what they REALLY need to know (such as mental health and finance, but as a proper subject than just a one-off visit)
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