'Time is up' for GCSEs says head

The future of the GCSE is under review

GCSEs do not have a long-term future as a major qualification in independent schools, says a leading head teacher.

Graham Able, chairman of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC), said that "time is up" for the exam within the independent sector.

"I don't think that they have a long-term future in their present form. They have served a useful purpose over time, but their time, in their present form, is up," said Mr Able, speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

The HMC represents the leading independent schools - and this has raised fears that if its members begin to opt out of GCSEs, it could lead to a two-tier qualifications system - with the GCSE becoming a state school exam.

"That is a possibility, but I would regret that greatly. Most of us would want to stay in the mainstream," said Mr Able, who is head of Dulwich College, south London.

The government has commissioned a review of the exam system for 14 to 19 year olds - which has raised the prospect of a lower profile for GCSE-style exams taken at the age of 16.

'Radical'

Mr Able urged a "radical" overhaul for the exam system, calling for a better standard of vocational education and a broader, three-year approach to A-levels.

This year's GCSE results are to be published next week, but the qualification, currently taken by almost all 16 year olds, has been placed under much scrutiny.

Last week, Eton College announced a review of its use of the exam, indicating that it wanted to find ways to reduce the number of exams taken in the last years of secondary school.

And on Monday, exam watchdog, Ken Boston, said that schools could allow their pupils to skip GCSEs and go directly to A-level courses.

Dr Boston emphasised that there was nothing wrong with the quality of the exam, but it might be a decision taken as a way of reducing the number of exams taken.

The School Standards Minister, David Miliband, has defended the qualification and has criticised those who have claimed that it has become too easy.