Now state school pupils will be allowed to take harder GCSEs

12 April 2012

STATE school pupils will be allowed to take harder exams that have been likened to traditional O-levels instead of mainstream GCSEs, ministers announced today.

The International GCSE (iGCSE) is seen as a more challenging rival to the domestic exams and is increasingly popular among leading private schools.

Labour always refused to allow the courses to be taught in state schools, insisting that they did not comply with the national curriculum.

But Education Secretary Michael Gove today lifted restrictions that prevented leading comprehensives and grammar schools offering the exam.

The first state pupils could begin studying the tougher exams from September, although it is not clear whether the courses will be called iGCSEs or given another name. The announcement comes amid growing concern that GCSEs in subjects such as science and maths have become easier in recent years, and fears that making the exams modular will further erode standards.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: "After years of political control over our exams system, schools must be given greater freedom to offer the qualifications employers and universities demand.

"For too long, children in state-maintained schools have been unfairly denied the right to study for qualifications like the iGCSE, which has only served to widen the already vast divide between state and independent schools in this country.

"By removing the red tape, state school pupils will have the opportunity to leave school with the same set of qualifications as their peers from the top private schools." State school headteachers expressed fears over the move.

Malcolm Trobe, policy director at the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "This has the potential to confuse employers, young people and parents."

But private schools welcomed the announcement. Martin Stephen, High Master of St Paul's School in Barnes, said it was "outstanding news"

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