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Yesterday, news emerged on the plans due to be put forward by Nick Gibb, schools minister, that all secondary school pupils in England will be expected to take five GCSEs in EBacc subjects:

  • English
  • Maths
  • Science
  • A language
  • History or geography

The Conservatives’ election manifesto stated that if schools did not offer these, they would not be eligible for a top Ofsted rating (BBC). The BBC also stated that these changes would not apply to students with special educational needs.

Brian Lightman, leader of the ASCL head teachers’ union, said that the key question would be how the changes were implemented and he welcomed the commitment to talks about how this would work in practice. “It’s enormously challenging, but we recognise the importance of a broad academic education for all young people,” said Mr Lightman.

What are your thoughts on these changes? Let us know in the comments below!