Rethink on GCSE maths

Moves to repair the damaged credibility of GCSE maths were announced by the national exams watchdog today.

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is to stop candidates getting a C-grade with 16 marks out of 100 for answering the most difficult questions.

Reorganising the exam into two papers, rather than three of increasing difficulty, will mean candidates must get higher marks to get the top grades.

The changes will bring maths GCSE into line with subjects such as English, which involves two papers instead of three.

The QCA said the change will give all candidates the chance to get a C.

The changes were welcomed by Professor Adrian Smith, principal of Queen Mary College, London who led a government inquiry into what should be done to rescue school maths.