During the 1970s, GCE O level and CSE were merged to form a new single system of examining post 16. The new qualification was based on general and subject-specific criteria. Examinations became much inclusive, and many young people were encouraged to study and enter qualifications at age 16. The new qualification was called the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). It was introduced in 1986 with first examinations in 1988.

GCSEs remain the same today, although they are now more widely available to 14-19 students and are often used as an entry requirement for level 3 study. The most recent revisions to GCSE qualifications were introduced in September 2001, with the first qualifications being awarded in the summer of 2003.

In 2001 the government decided to introduce new GCSEs in vocational subjects to give a vocational option to all young people and to promote vocational learning. The new GCSEs are currently available in eight applied subjects and are double awards (twice the size of an academic GCSE). They became available for courses starting in September 2002, with the first awards being made in the summer of 2004.

GCSEs in vocational subjects have been designed to replace the Part One GNVQ qualification. The following eight subjects are currently available:

• applied art and design
• applied business
• applied ICT
• applied science
• engineering
• health and social care
• leisure and tourism
• manufacturing.

More GCSEs in vocational subjects are being developed.