Petition · past parliament · Department for Education

Introduce an optional philosophy GCSE into the current Key Stage 4 curriculum

Closed 478 signatures

What the petition asks

GCSE Philosophy would encourage students to reflect upon themselves and question what they believe. It is an attractive subject concerning everyday life. It would teach skills that are useful in and outside the classroom, touching upon aspects of A-Level Philosophy but much more engaging for KS4.
Philosophy will enable students to become reflective and considerate thinkers, furnish their ability to think logically and creatively and help them argue for a case. It will pose questions on philosophical topics such as ethics, the mind and aesthetics.

Philosophy relates to many subjects and is a methodology as much as a subject. The skills that students are taught can be used in everyday settings, so the impact of a philosophy GCSE will survive long after the qualification is achieved.

Timeline

30 Mar 2021 Petition opened for signatures
30 Sep 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 478
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 30 Mar 2021
Closed 30 Sep 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.