PETITIONOpenPetition · petition.parliament.uk
Abolish all written/timed exams in every GCSE/A-Level & make them practical
Require DfE & Ofqual to reform every GCSE, A-Level & BTEC subject to 100% practical/portfolio/applied assessment, 0% written/theory, no exams. Grant all BTEC routes equal status in Progress 8/Attainment 8 and create dual academic/vocational pathways in every subject from 14–19 for inclusion.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
27
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 27/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 27/100,000
Background
We believe timed written exams & theory components in every subject exclude neurodiverse students who can’t show true ability when forced to write fast or at length. Employers tend to recruit on practical skills, projects & portfolios — not exam-hall writing speed. BTEC proves 100% practical assessment works across dozens of subjects & is oversubscribed. We think the system is discriminatory, invalid, causes mental health crises & subject decline. Abolish timed exams — make every subject 100% practical now.