Modernise the GCSE System - Reduce Exam Load on Young People

Rejected 11 signatures

What the petition asks

We urge the government to review the entire GCSE programme to move to alternative methods of assessment. The outcome should be to reduce the number and intensity of exams to ensure our education system supports both academic success and student wellbeing.

Students in the UK are subject to one of the most exam-heavy systems in the developed world. The current GCSE system over-burdens 15/16-year old students with an excessive number of formal examinations which are concentrated within a short time period and duplicated across multiple papers of the same subject. This approach is highly stressful and doesn't demonstrate the student's true potential or assimilation of the subject.

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

You may wish to sign this petition:

Review GCSE balance of coursework and exams: Review GCSE balance of coursework and exams

Timeline

15 Jun 2025	Petition opened for signatures
7 Jul 2025	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 11

Status Rejected

Rejected 7 Jul 2025

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