Polly Toynbee argues that England’s compulsory GCSE resit system is harming thousands of young people who fail maths and English at 16. She says around 360,000 students, roughly a third of 16-year-olds, are affected each year and must continue studying the subjects if they want to pursue further education. According to the article, only about 17% of those taking resits eventually pass, while the requirement consumes a large share of the limited teaching time available on post-16 courses. Toynbee cites research suggesting that the system can undermine students’ confidence and contribute to them dropping out. The government plans to end compulsory resits from 2028. Students who do not achieve the required GCSE grades will instead be able to take a new stepping-stone qualification in functional English and maths. However, Toynbee criticises the continued expectation that all 16-year-olds should initially sit GCSEs, arguing that some would benefit more from an alternative qualification suited to their abilities and ambitions. The article also highlights wider problems facing further education in England. Colleges are struggling with shortages of funding, staff and facilities, while vocational and technical education continues to receive less status than academic routes. Toynbee points to falling adult-education funding, lower pay for further-education staff and a shortage of degree apprenticeships despite strong demand. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham’s vocational-focused baccalaureate is presented as an example of an approach intended to keep young people engaged and reduce the number becoming NEETs. Toynbee also highlights research linking earlier access to childcare with better later educational outcomes. Overall, she argues that England should place greater emphasis on encouraging struggling students and strengthening technical education rather than treating GCSE failure as a defining setback.

Claire Green, ASCL Post-16 and Skills Specialist, speaks to BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour regarding Functional Skills qualifications. www.ascl.org.uk

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