Last updated: 21 Dec 2007

QCA and the regulators of external qualifications in Wales (DCELLS) and Northern Ireland (CCEA) held a web-based public consultation on draft GCSE qualification and subject criteria which ended on 14 September 2007.

Following analysis of responses to the consultation, QCA announces the publication of the finalised GCSE qualification and subject criteria on its website and the Consultation summary report.

The consultation covered all GCSE subjects with the exception of English, English literature, mathematics, ICT and science. New criteria for English, English literature, mathematics and ICT will be developed during 2008. The GCSE science criteria have already been revised and will remain the same.

Dr Ken Boston, QCA's Chief Executive said:

"The revised GCSE qualification and subject criteria will ensure that public confidence is maintained in the qualification for the future and that young people are stretched and challenged by giving them the opportunity to undertake extended writing tasks and more varied question types.

"The 14-19 Education Reform programme is the most important educational innovation in a generation and its introduction will ensure that all young people are able to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and understanding when studying for a qualification that meets their individual abilities. In reforming the GCSE qualification and subject criteria we have ensured that these are aligned to the scope and ambition of the new Diplomas.

"The revised GCSE qualification and subject criteria will give learners a reliably assessed, consistent and fair qualification."

Notes to editors

1. The revised GCSE qualification and subject criteria and the GCSE criteria Consultation summary report together with information on the consultation can be found at http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_11693.aspx

2. The web-based public GCSE qualification and subject consultation ran from 13 June to 14 September 2007.

3. The revised criteria will allow for the development of new GCSE subject criteria for first teaching in 2009 with the first awards being made in 2011.

4. Controlled assessment will replace teacher marked coursework in some GCSE subjects in 2009. Two reports on controlled assessment can be found at http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_11551.aspx

5. For further information please contact the QCA Press Office on 020 7509 6789 or out of hours 07798 94532.