New exam system ‘gives pupils no second chance’

Michael Gove's all-or-nothing exam reforms criticised

The decision to ditch modular GCSEs and A-Levels for sudden death exams gives struggling pupils “no second chance” in the exam system (Getty Images)

Michael Gove’s decision to ditch modular GCSEs and A-Levels for sudden death exams gives struggling pupils “no second chance” in the exam system, according to a leading independent school headmistress.

Alice Phillips, president of the Girls’ Schools Association, will tell her conference the UK is in danger of creating “an unforgiving exam system” with “no real second chances, no wiggle room or place to make amends”. She will say: “As I try to inspire young women and watch them trying to measure up to grade requirements, I am outraged because I, too, am required to ‘play the system’ to help them fulfil their ambitions.” Government reforms have led to GCSEs and A-levels concentrating on the final exam, with the phasing out of coursework. Schools have also been encouraged to stop children resitting exams.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Education said: “Returning exams to a linear structure means students will no longer have to endure... constant testing.”