The proposal to remove the minimum age-constraint on the GCSE is commendable; the proposal allowing it to be bypassed is not.
Four or five years without a certified exam is too long. Taking the GCSE en route will keep the pupils on their toes, and give evidence of overall ability and subject aptitude.The results will provide a useful guide for the more specialist A-level studies.
Professor L J Herbst 64 Staindrop Drive Acklame, Middlesbrough