About GCSEs
GCSEs give learners the knowledge and skills to progress into further education or the world of work.
Over half a million young people sit GCSEs each year. They can be gained in over 45 subjects – from English and mathematics to workplace-focused areas such as manufacturing, and health and social care.
Criteria and specifications
QCDA works with awarding organisations, teachers and subject communities to develop GCSE criteria; qualification criteria set broad rules on the structure of GCSEs, assessment and grading that will apply to all GCSEs, while subject criteria provide the framework within which awarding bodies create detailed specifications for a particular GCSE.
The criteria are published by Ofqual, which regulates qualifications and monitors standards over time with DCELLS and CCEA, the regulators for Wales and Northern Ireland.
We support awarding organisations in developing specifications for accreditation by the regulators.
We want all learners to have the opportunity to develop and achieve. Visit our Inclusion and SEN section for more on how how these issues are considered in our qualification development work.
GCSEs are changing
GCSEs are being revised as part of the 14–19 reforms. The aim is to stimulate good teaching and learning and help students develop skills that employers want. The changes include:
- replacing coursework with controlled assessments in subjects where it's the best way to demonstrate what learners know, understand and can do
- incorporating functional elements of English, ICT and mathematics GCSEs
- introducing linear and unitised assessment.
Download our guidance booklet on the changes to GCSE.
Find out more
You can find more about controlled assessment in this section. To find out about access arrangements, marking and more see Exams administration.
If you want to keep up to date with what's happening, sign up for our 14–19 e-Newsletter.
You might also want to find out about functional skills and how they fit into GCSE programmes.
Last modified: 13 May 2010
