A study has concluded that compulsory GCSE resits are setting students up to fail, with little evidence they improve long-term prospects.
Low pass rates and limited benefit
The research, covering thousands of students in England, found that fewer than one in five who retake maths and English achieve a pass. It also found no significant improvement in employment or further study outcomes for those who resat.
The authors argue the current policy, which requires students who do not achieve a grade 4 or above to retake the exams, is not working. They suggest alternative qualifications and vocational routes may be more effective.
Calls for policy review
The study adds to growing pressure on the government to reconsider the resit requirement. Education leaders have previously raised concerns about the impact on student morale and the opportunity cost of repeating exams.
The researchers recommend a review of the policy, with a focus on providing more tailored support and recognising a wider range of qualifications.
