They have shaped the fortunes of young people in the UK for four decades. But now even the former education secretary who introduced these exams wants to see them abolished …
It’s approaching 8.30am on a Wednesday in June and 140 grim-faced teenagers are making their way into an exam hall. Today it’s GCSE maths paper 2 (calculator). A posse of smiling staff encourage and cajole: “Good luck, hope it goes really well.” “Bags at the back please!” “Use a black pen only.” A few stragglers reluctantly make an entrance. “Find your seats quickly, please. Good luck!”
Once everyone is seated, there’s the exam prayer. (This is Urswick school, a mixed Church of England secondary in north-east London.) “Heavenly father, be with me as I take this exam, keep my mind alert and my memory sharp, calm my nerves and help me concentrate.” Some candidates bow their heads, others stare glumly into the distance. Then, a few final words of encouragement. “So, year 11, this is your time to shine. Good luck – you have an hour and a half. You may begin.” And they’re off. Welcome to the 2025 summer exam season.