Confidence in GCSEs lower than A Levels

Confidence in the GCSE system is lower than for A Levels as last year’s English grading controversy continues to impact the sector, according to a new survey.

Qualifications regulator Ofqual said confidence in GCSEs is particularly low among teachers (55 per cent) and headteachers (56 per cent), and smaller employers at 55 per cent.

Chief regulator Glenys Stacey said: “We want to see confidence in GCSEs return as they become more robust and assessment is seen to be, and is, fair and accurate.

“I think there is an appetite for change and improvement. We have an opportunity with the reform of GCSEs and A levels to develop new – or strengthen existing – high quality qualifications that are stimulating to teach and worthwhile to study. While the survey does highlight some real challenges, there are reasons to be optimistic that we can make improvements and achieve robust and valued qualifications and assessments.”

Around 3,200 members of the public were interviewed for the survey towards the end of 2012.

The research also found at least half of the general public consider other qualifications, such as those that are vocational, to have equal value to traditional academic qualifications.

Natalie Thornhill