ATL congratulates students, but questions how far re-sitting English and maths GCSEs benefits them

“Whilst applauding all those who have received the grades they hoped for, we should also consider the 37% who did not get at least a grade C in maths and the 35% who did not in English.

“We agree that all students need to be literate and numerate, however, making them re-sit their GCSEs until they get a C grade is completely demotivating. It also puts schools and colleges under huge pressure to find the extra spaces, teachers and funding to allow these students to be able to re-sit their exams.

“Functional skills qualifications in English and maths are far more appropriate for many young people and would provide them with the skills employers need.

“With new GCSEs being introduced from next month, we ask the Government to allow the current reforms to settle and to closely monitor their impact. There must be some stability in the system for at least the next few academic years to allow teachers, students, parents and employers to get to grips with the many changes to qualifications.”