New science GCSE ''below standard''

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

The new science GCSE has been rejected by Ofqual for not meeting the required standards, despite improvements being demanded after the 2007 and 2008 qualifications gave cause for concern.

The watchdog has said it was not impressed with the new science qualification and has told awarding organisations to look at it again.

Ofqual chair and Chief Regulator Kathleen Tattersall said: "Ofqual's job is to make sure that standards are maintained. If qualifications do not meet our standards, we cannot accept them into the regulated system. I look forward to receiving improved GCSE science qualifications that meet our requirements."

She added: "Schools are expecting detailed information about the new qualifications in time to prepare for first teaching in September 2011. Ofqual hopes that that will still be possible, but progress will depend on the quality of the revised qualifications. In the meantime, improvements have been built in to the current version, and the regulators will make sure that grades awarded this summer are appropriate and fair."