GCSE maths and science students to receive help sheets until 2030
Maths and science GCSE students will no longer need to memorize formulas and equations for their exams until at least 2030, under new government plans.
Ministers have asked exams watchdog Ofqual to expand existing arrangements and provide formula sheets to GCSE maths, physics and combined science students.
Ofqual is advising on extending this until existing GCSEs are realigned following a curriculum review.
The government will then consider whether memorization will be required for the new qualifications.
Formula sheets were introduced in 2022 as a post-Covid measure; Bridget Phillipson received an extension in 2024 until at least 2027.
School standards minister Georgia Gould has asked the watchdog to extend the deadline for the entire life of existing GCSEs.
Responding, Ofqual chief regulator Sir Ian Bauckham said Ofqual expected this to apply to GCSE exams students sit up to “2030 or 2031 and any resit series thereafter”.
The government announced revised curriculum plans last year, which included work to reduce total GCSE exam time by two-and-a-half to three hours for the average student.
It aims to publish the revised national curriculum for primary education by spring 2027, to be implemented from September 2028, and updated GCSEs for primary education from 2029.
Ms Gould confirmed that the Department for Education (DfE) was considering whether pupils would be required to memorize formulas and equations for GCSE maths and science as it developed revised subject content for the new GCSEs.
In a letter to Sir Ian, Ms Gould wrote: “For as long as the current GCSE specifications for these subjects are in force, students should not be asked to memorize formulas and equations for assessment purposes.
“Students will continue to be expected to understand and use these formulas and equations, and high standards will be maintained in the subjects students are required to study.”
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticized the decision to extend the issuance of formula forms to students.
In a tweet he said: “Labour is determined to lower school standards in this country. They fail to understand that we need to believe that all children can do better, not lower the bar. It will be the most disadvantaged who will suffer and that will be the Prime Minister’s legacy.”
Ofqual’s consultation is open for three weeks, from Monday to 23 March.
