Ofqual may step in over speedy GCSE shake-up
The head of England's exam regulator Ofqual has warned she will delay the education secretary's GCSE changes if there are problems with the timetable.
Michael Gove confirmed on Thursday he was abandoning plans to introduce new O-level-style English Baccalaureate Certificates (EBCs).
But he called for brand new GCSEs in core subjects to be ready in 2015 - the same timeframe as the EBCs.
Ofqual chief Glenys Stacey said the timetable had to be kept under review.
The government's policy U-turn followed intense criticism from teachers and MPs. An education committee report said Mr Gove had been trying to implement "too much too soon".
The original plan had been for the first candidates to start EBC courses in 2015 and take the new-look exams two years later.
These would be initially in three core subject areas - English, maths and sciences - with an extension later to history, geography and languages.
In the Commons. Mr Gove said he had asked Ofqual to ensure that there would be new GCSEs in seven subjects - English, maths, the sciences, history and geography - ready for teaching by 2015.
These would normally feature exams and assessments at the end of the course, and fewer structured questions.
He also wants GCSEs in all other subjects to be ready for teaching by 2016.
Read more
... (BBC News - 08 February)