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Calls made for changes to exam system

Posted on 15th April 2009

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The array of qualifications now on offer at schools throughout England is creating an "unduly complicated" examination system, it has been argued.

Independent school Manchester Grammar recently became the first to announce that it will be offering the International GCSE (IGCSE) instead of the standard GCSE in almost all subjects from this September.

Along with the IGCSE, other alternative qualifications such as the Pre-U and the International Baccalaureate are also becoming increasingly popular, especially in the independent sector.

And according to regional editor of The Good Schools Guide Sue Fieldman, this is proving detrimental to the education system.

"It's getting to be one unduly complicated system, whereas it was set out to be one unduly simple one," she stated.

She called for the development of a either a "one-size-fits-all" solution, or a system whereby it is ensured that all qualifications are recognised by higher education providers and employers.

Ms Fieldman added that the failure of the government to feature IGCSE results in league tables mean that they are currently "a mess".