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Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 June 2026. It was answered by Georgia Gould (Labour) on Monday, 6 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Natural History: GCSE

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Department for Education's press release entitled New natural history GCSE to grow next generation of green careers, published on 12 June 2026, what discussions she has had with employers in environmental sectors regarding the skills content of the qualification.

Answer

A high-quality curriculum equips children and young people with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a changing world. This includes providing children and young people with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to understand and develop a connection to the natural world, access green careers, and thrive in life and work in a world with a changing climate. The natural history GCSE is intended to support progression into further academic and vocational study, training or employment, including pathways such as environmental science A level and relevant V Levels and T Levels. The department routinely collects data on key stage 4 subject-level entries, and post-16 data at subject level.

On 12 June, the department launched a public consultation on proposed subject content for a new natural history GCSE. We are seeking views from a range stakeholders on the proposed subject content, including from employers and organisations in environmental sectors.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
13001
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
GCSE Natural history
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk