Call to PM amid fears over pace 
of exam 
reforms

A letter signed by nearly 100 groups is expected to be handed in to 10 Downing Street asking for a meeting with Mr Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to discuss the proposals.

Education Secretary Michael Gove announced plans last year to scrap GCSEs and replace them with new English Baccalaureate Certificates (EBCs), starting in 2015.

Campaigners, including individuals from the world of education, the arts, design and industry say they are concerned about the current review of secondary school exams, and the consultation on introducing EBCs.

The letter says: “Whilst not being opposed to the reform of the system of examinations, nor to the drive to raise standards, we are concerned that the current consultation on the introduction of English Baccalaureate Certificates is too limited and that decisions are being made too quickly.

“We need an examination system which ensures pupils receive a rigorous, broad and balanced curriculum. We do not believe the current proposals for EBCs will do that.

“By failing to give parity to high quality creative and vocational subjects, as well as sport, these reforms will jeopardise our children’s education and undermine the economic and cultural health of our nation.”

It calls for an extended consultation period. Formal consultation on the EBC ended in December.

The letter adds: “A small group of the signatories to this letter would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to further explain our concerns and discuss ways in which the Government could initiate a national conversation about examination reform,” the letter says.

It is signed by a range of individuals and organisations including the National Union of Teachers, the National Association of Head Teachers, Nicholas Hytner, artistic director of the National Theatre, and Sandy Nairne, director of the National Portrait Gallery Under the Government’s proposals the first EBCs, in English, maths and science, will be introduced in autumn 2015, with the first exams taken in 2017.

EBCs in history, geography and languages will be introduced at a later date.

GCSEs, or other qualifications, will remain for other subjects such as PE, drama and art but there are plans to extend the EBC further in future years.