Private schools dumping GCSEs for tougher O-level-style tests that are seen as better preparation for A-levels

Number of independent school entries for IGCSEs rose by 18% this year as better preparation for A-levels despite government reforms They are increasingly turning to International GCSEs, new figures show Private schools are ditching GCSEs in record numbers in favour of tougher qualifications based on the old O-level, figures published today show. ‘IGCSE, particularly in mathematics and sciences, contains content which is more challenging, and which prepares students better for further study.’ Chairman: Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council, said there had been a period of ‘turbulence’ for GCSEs, and schools ‘felt confident sticking with what they knew' IGCSEs were primarily developed for schools overseas. Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council, said there had been a period of ‘turbulence’ for GCSEs, and schools ‘felt confident sticking with what they knew, less affected by some of the changes’. He said schools may also wait and see what the reformed GCSEs were like, adding: ‘But, obviously, if the new GCSEs are felt by independent schools to be rigorous and a good preparation, there’s no reason why schools won’t switch back.’ The ISC statistics also show that 32.7 per cent of papers were awarded A*s, up from 32 per cent last year.