The reputation of GCSEs appears to be in decline, with a dramatic increase in the number of independent schools ditching the tests.
Figures show a 33% rise at private schools in the number of entries for the rival IGCSE – based on traditional O-level lines and considered by many headteachers to offer a better preparation for tackling A-levels in the sixth form.
The numbers rose to 129,288 candidates this summer, meaning that they now account overall for 32% of year-11 exam entries.
GCSE entries, in comparison, fell from 293,335 to 274,183.
Barnaby Lenon, the chairman of the Independent Schools Council, said he could see no signs of the switch towards the IGCSE abating, adding: “I don’t think there is any evidence that it has reached its peak.”
Nationally, this year’s IGCSE figures were inflated because a number of schools – both state and private – ditched GCSE English in the wake of last year’s controversy when the grade boundaries were raised between sittings.
A number of state schools hedged their bets by putting pupils in for both sets of exams, in order to stand a better chance of obtaining C grade passes and boost their league table rankings.
Lenon said the drift towards the IGCSE started with maths “because of unhappiness with GCSE coursework” in the subject, and the move to science.
“It was felt that the IGCSE was a better preparation for A-level,” he added. “The syllabuses had a bit more content and were slightly more demanding.”
Initially, he added, some schools were reluctant to enter their lower sets for the IGCSE on the grounds that it might be too demanding for them – but that worry appeared to be disappearing.
“It will be interesting to compare the results of those who opted for their pupils to take both exams,” he added. “That could determine what they do in the future.”
Some private schools have opted to devise their own exams as an alternative to the GCSE, such as Bedales, an independent co-educational day and boarding school in Petersfield, Hampshire.
There, the two main avenues at 16 for pupils are the IGCSE and its owned assessed courses. From this September, it will be possible for the first time for Bedales pupils to abandon GCSEs altogether, as they can take exams in the core subjects of English, maths, science and a language in IGCSEs, while opting for the school’s assessed courses in subjects like English Literature, Ancient Civilisation, history, geography and outdoor work – such as assembling a Land Rover.
This year’s cohort was split almost equally between taking the GCSE, IGCSE and Assessed Courses. Next year, though, it is expected around 55% will take IGCSEs, 40% Bedales Assessed Courses and just 5% GCSEs.