Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of reviewing mandatory re-sits for GCSE English and Maths.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

Having a good standard of English and mathematics is key to a good education, future career options and for ensuring rising standards in literacy and numeracy. The department’s focus is on continued study and improving capability in English and mathematics because of the evidenced benefits this brings to students‘ lives.

The department does not require students who have not yet achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above in mathematics and English to re-sit the qualification. If a student wishes to re-take their Level 2 English and mathematics they should do so when they and their provider think they are ready.

The Curriculum and Assessment Review will seek to deliver an excellent foundation in English and mathematics, including how best to support 16 to 19 year olds who currently do not achieve Level 2 by the age of 16.