Education Secretary Lucy Powell has warned that introducing GCSE subjects to pupils in year 9 or earlier risks turning England's secondary schools into "early exam factories" and increasing student disengagement from education.
Under proposals set to be included in an upcoming overhaul of England’s national curriculum, Powell intends to end the widespread practice of starting GCSE-level teaching before year 10. Additionally, the plans aim to reduce the overall volume of GCSE content to ensure the curriculum fits comfortably within the official timetable.
The planned curriculum reforms reflect concerns over the pressure placed on younger secondary school students by compressed study timelines.
