Early Entry to GCSE Examinations

This paper, from the Department of Education, presents statistical information on the difference in final grades between those students who are entered early for GCSE examinations and those who are not. The potential impacts associated with early entry are highlighted for consideration, by those responsible for the decision, on whether to enter a student early for their GCSE examinations.

The main argument against early entry is that statistically those candidates who are entered early for examinations perform worse overall than those who are not entered early, even when taking account of re-sit examinations. This may suggest that some students are being entered for GCSEs before they are ready. Also candidates could be banking their grade as soon as they get a grade C or above and, as a result, not achieve their full potential.

Other factors to consider include:

*Dropping the subject part way through the year may lead to students losing interest in the subject and therefore less likely to progress beyond GCSE.

*Early entry could lead to the programme of study being delivered over a compressed time period, which in turn could result in coaching to the exam rather than delivery of a broad curriculum.

*Early entry also increases the number of retakes, to secure the required grade, which has additional cost implications.