Open petition: Create an applied pathway within GCSE English and Maths, like Functional Skills

Created by Hannah Gee
Closes on 13 January 2027

Create an applied assessment pathway within GCSE English and Maths based on existing Functional Skills assessment methods. Students would still achieve a GCSE qualification, but could demonstrate the same literacy and numeracy skills through an applied, criterion-referenced assessment pathway.

Over 200,000 young people each year leave school without a Grade 4 pass in GCSE English and maths. Many later pass Functional Skills qualifications, showing they have the required skills but struggle with the assessment format. We want GCSE English and maths to include an applied assessment pathway, based on existing Functional Skills methods, so students can demonstrate the same skills and still achieve a GCSE qualification.

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