Rejected petition Make English Literature GCSEs open-book

English Literature GCSEs are meant to give children the analytical skills they need for the future. The current predictable structure of exam questions and exams being closed-book means students just learn useful quotations for the sake of it and their accompanying explanations, making it nullified.

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The government should make English Literature GCSEs open book because it encourages deeper analysis rather than memorising quotes. It reduces stress, supports students with weaker memories, and reflects real-life skills where people refer to texts. Open book exams also create a fairer system and allow teachers to focus on understanding and interpretation, not just revision. This would make the subject more accessible and meaningful for all students.

This petition was rejected

Why was this petition rejected?

There’s already a petition about this issue. We cannot accept a new petition when we already have one about a very similar issue.

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You may wish to sign this petition which calls for similar action: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/730126

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Date submitted 20 October 2025
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