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Written question asked by Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 3 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 November 2025 (named day). It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 November 2025 on behalf of the Department for Education.

School Leaving: GCSE

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to help improve pathways for school leavers without (a) GCSE Maths and (b) GCSE English qualifications.

Answer

Any student on a 16-19 study programme who has not yet achieved an English and/or mathematics GCSE grade 4 or higher must continue studying these subjects.

As part of the Post-16 Education and Skills Strategy, the department is introducing new 16-19 Level 1 English and mathematics ‘stepping stone’ qualifications as preparation for GCSE. These qualifications will support students to consolidate foundational skills and knowledge, preparing those with lower prior attainment for successful GCSE resits in English and mathematics the following year.

The department has also set out plans to introduce reformed qualifications pathways at Levels 2 and 3. This includes a third, vocational pathway at Level 3, V Levels, which will sit alongside A levels and T Levels, and two new pathways at Level 2, providing a clear line of sight to both further study at Level 3 and skilled employment through the Further Study and Occupational pathways. Students will be able to take these pathways in combination with other qualifications such as English and mathematics qualifications.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
87463
Session
2024-26
Subjects
English language School leaving GCSE Mathematics
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk