Proposed changes to the assessment of mathematics, physics and combined science GCSEs in 2025, 2026 and 2027
Introduction
This is an Ofqual consultation on assessment arrangements for GCSEs in mathematics, physics and combined science in England in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
DfE is responsible for setting the curriculum requirements and subject content for all GCSE qualifications. Ofqual is responsible for how the subject content will be assessed and for ensuring that the assessment arrangements can support valid and reliable results.
Previously DfE decided as a matter of policy, and in view of the disruption caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, that it was not necessary for students taking exams in 2022, 2023 and 2024 to memorise the formulae for GCSE mathematics and equations for GCSE physics and combined science that they must in a normal year. To implement that policy decision, Ofqual amended its Conditions and Requirements for GCSE qualifications to require exam boards to provide a formulae sheet in the exams for GCSE mathematics and a revised equations sheet in the exams for GCSE physics and combined science. Exam boards provided copies of the formulae and equations sheets for use in teaching and to ensure that students were familiar with them prior to the exams. Clean copies of the formulae and equations sheets were provided in the exams.
DfE has now told Ofqual that students taking exams in 2025, 2026 and 2027 will not be expected to recall all the usual formulae and equations in GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science. The longer-term expectations will be confirmed after DfE’s Curriculum and Assessment Review.
Ofqual proposes to continue requiring exam boards to provide support materials for exams in 2025, 2026 and 2027, as in previous years.
The proposal to introduce these support materials for the exams in 2022, 2023 and 2024 received strong support from all stakeholder groups. The feedback Ofqual gathered before and following the 2022, 2023 and 2024 exams indicated that these assessment arrangements had a positive impact on student confidence when preparing for their exams. Ofqual considered the impact of the changes made to these assessments in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and found no evidence that the functioning of the assessment was compromised.
Ofqual welcomes your views on the continuation of these arrangements (for 2025, 2026 and 2027) in GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science. Ofqual will consider all responses and is aiming to announce its decisions as soon as possible. Ofqual is consulting on this proposal for students entering the qualifications in 2025, 2026 and 2027. For GCSE mathematics, the arrangements would also apply to the November 2025, 2026 and 2027 exams.