GCSE reform: regulations for English language

We are seeking views on additional rules and guidance we propose to put in place for the new English language GCSEs which are being taught in England from September 2015.

Most of these new rules relate to the spoken language assessment, but we are also proposing some rules around marking, results and certificate requirements which would apply to the qualification more generally.

We have already accredited all the new English language GCSEs which will be taught from September 2015. The specifications for these new qualifications currently include provisional information about spoken language assessments. This has enabled exam boards to trial different approaches to the spoken language assessment. Those trials are complete and we have considered their outcomes. We are now consulting on the detailed rules and guidance we propose to put in place for spoken language assessments.

After this consultation, when we have put in place the final rules and guidance, exam boards will make appropriate changes to their specifications (as needed). The exam boards will not need to resubmit their amended specifications for accreditation.

This consultation follows on from our earlier consultations:

• GCSE Reform Consultation - June 2013
• GCSE Reform Technical Consultation - December 2013
• Consultation on the Conduct, Marking and Grading of Spoken Language Skills in GCSE English Language

We do not repeat the policy proposals we consulted on in those earlier consultations or the options we considered when we did so.