Overview

Proposals at a glance

Ofqual invites your views on proposed adaptations to the assessment of GCSEs in mathematics, physics and combined science for students in England taking exams from 2028, for the lifetime of the current GCSE specifications. As set out in its response to the government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review, the 
Department for Education (DfE) intends that reformed qualifications will be first taught in 2029 or 2030. Based on this timing, Ofqual expects the proposals below will apply to GCSE exams taken by students up to and including 2030 or 2031, and any resit series after that.     

DfE has confirmed its decision, in relation to the subject content for which it is responsible, that it is not necessary for students to memorise formulae for GCSE mathematics and equations for GCSE physics and combined science for the lifetime of the current GCSE specifications in these subjects. 

As a result of this, Ofqual proposes carrying forward the provision of support materials, in the form of formulae and revised equations sheets, in the exams for GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science. This proposal will be in place for the lifetime of the current GCSE specifications in these subjects. This includes resit opportunities for the current qualifications after the new ones are introduced, and the November GCSE mathematics exams. Ofqual expects to confirm the arrangements for resits for the current GCSE qualifications when it sets out the expectations for the reform of these qualifications in due course. 

Audience

This consultation is likely to be of interest to:  

• students, including private candidates, who are expecting to take GCSE exams from 2028 and their parents and carers 

• teachers, private tutors and home-educators of these qualifications  

• school and college leaders and heads of other types of exam centre  

• stakeholder representative organisations and unions 

• exams officers  

• the exam boards that will provide the exams  

• those who use qualifications to make selection decisions: further and higher education institutions and employers 

Consultation arrangements

Duration

The consultation will be open for 3 weeks starting on 2 March 2026 and ending on 23 March 2026 at 11:45pm.

Respond

Please respond to this consultation by completing the online response form.