Assessment
The latest news and analysis on exams in the UK, including key dates, timetables, results and statistics for Sats, GCSEs and A levels
Tuesday
25th Mar 2025
Delay Ofsted report cards and school profiles, heads urge
Ofsted’s plan for inspection report cards will cause greater anxiety for heads and make judgements less reliable, warns ASCL
English literature GCSE: 5 strategies for the final push
As exam time hurtles nearer, Zoe Enser offers her favourite quick and effective approaches to help students feel ready
Friday
21st Mar 2025
Number of GCSE students taking 3 non-EBacc subjects halves
But new research exploring the take-up of GCSE subjects in recent years suggests the ‘EBacc era’ could be coming to an end
Natural history GCSE to be finalised after curriculum review
New qualification will focus on nature, climate and conservation, with schools minister saying the DfE will consult on its content after the review has finished
Curriculum and assessment review: Why is marking accuracy ignored?
Despite recognising the importance of exam grades, the review’s interim report fails to acknowledge concerns about the accuracy of marking and the appeals process, warns Dennis Sherwood
Thursday
20th Mar 2025
SQA removes exam from three National 5 practical courses
Three practical subjects will have their exam removed in 2025-26 – but an exam will be retained for National 5 practical electronics, with a decision pending for three other courses
Be ‘boy positive’ to tackle underachievement, schools told
More male teachers are needed to help address the gender attainment gap, says report