Heads applaud exam changes

Head teachers say "reform is long overdue"

Head teachers have welcomed the proposals for changing the exam system in England.

"At last we have a long-term vision for a 14 to 19 education system. Reform is long overdue," said a head teachers' leader.

Gareth Matthewson, president of the National Association of Head Teachers, said the proposals would offer a broader choice for pupils.

And he emphasised the importance of a carefully-planned transition.

'Scaremongering'

The head teachers also said that the report showed that there would be no sudden changes to A-levels and GCSEs as a diploma is introduced into the exam system.

"GCSE, AS and A-levels will not disappear overnight. It was pure scaremongering to suggest otherwise," said Mr Matthewson.

The Secondary Heads Association also offered a "warm welcome" to Mr Tomlinson's proposals, saying that it would bring greater "coherence".

"I particularly welcome the recommendations on examinations, with a move towards fewer external examinations and more reliance placed on the professional judgement of teachers," said deputy general secretary, Martin Ward.

"The diploma will also give a much needed boost to vocational qualifications, which have been regarded as second best for far too long in this country," said Mr Ward.

There was a more guarded welcome from the leader of the Nasuwt teachers' union.

"Teachers will undoubtedly welcome the proposal to introduce any changes over a 10-year period. They are weary from years of continual revolution. Evolution will make a refreshing change," said the union's general secretary, Eamonn O'Kane.

But he warned that parts of the proposals remained ill-defined and that the "devil is in the detail" when such proposals are being put into practice.