PETITIONRejectedPetition · petition.parliament.uk

Make English Literature GCSEs open-book

English Literature GCSEs are meant to give children the analytical skills they need for the future. The current predictable structure of exam questions and exams being closed-book means students just learn useful quotations for the sake of it and their accompanying explanations, making it nullified.

Last fetched 08 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk

Signatures

signatures

Government response threshold (10,000) · 6/10,000

Debate threshold (100,000) · 6/100,000

Background

The government should make English Literature GCSEs open book because it encourages deeper analysis rather than memorising quotes. It reduces stress, supports students with weaker memories, and reflects real-life skills where people refer to texts. Open book exams also create a fairer system and allow teachers to focus on understanding and interpretation, not just revision. This would make the subject more accessible and meaningful for all students.