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Exam reform: GCSE changes confirmed and new A level plans unveiled

Wide-ranging changes to GCSEs have been confirmed this week, including a move to a numeric grading system. Meanwhile, two consultations have been launched detailing proposed changes to the design, assessment and content of A levels.

New-look GCSEs will move to a new grading scale using the numbers 1 to 9 instead of the A* to G system, Ofqual has announced.

The exams watchdog has also confirmed that GCSEs will have all assessment at the end of the course and that examinations will become the “default method of assessment”, meaning an end to coursework in many subjects.

Specific details have been unveiled this week of changes to GCSEs in English literature, English language and maths, which are to be introduced in England for first teaching from September 2015.

The Department for Education has also confirmed revised content for these subjects following its own consultation.

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