Petition · Department for Education
Abolish all written/timed exams in every GCSE/A-Level & make them practical
Closed
31 signatures
What the petition asks
Require DfE & Ofqual to reform every GCSE, A-Level & BTEC subject to 100% practical/portfolio/applied assessment, 0% written/theory, no exams. Grant all BTEC routes equal status in Progress 8/Attainment 8 and create dual academic/vocational pathways in every subject from 14–19 for inclusion.
We believe timed written exams & theory components in every subject exclude neurodiverse students who can’t show true ability when forced to write fast or at length. Employers tend to recruit on practical skills, projects & portfolios — not exam-hall writing speed. BTEC proves 100% practical assessment works across dozens of subjects & is oversubscribed. We think the system is discriminatory, invalid, causes mental health crises & subject decline. Abolish timed exams — make every subject 100% practical now.
Timeline
| 19 Dec 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 19 Jun 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
31
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Education
Opened
19 Dec 2025
Closed
19 Jun 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 13 Aug 2026.