O'Dowd Criticises Gove Over GCSE Plans

NI Education Minister John O’Dowd has criticised UK Education Secretary Michal Gove over what he sees as a lack of communication between governments.

The Minister’s announcement came as Mr Gove announced the UK government had changed its mind on plans to scrap GCSE subjects and replace them with English Baccalaureate Certificates.

Plans for the new qualification had been announced in September, but the Education Secretary today called the plans "a bridge too far."

Mr O’Dowd said: "Yet again, Michael Gove has decided to make a decision on post-14 education that affects students in the north of Ireland and Wales without any form of consultation with the administrations here and in Cardiff. In the autumn he announced his proposals to abolish GCSEs without seeking our views and today he has announced that they will, in fact, be retained – again, without seeking our views. It is clear that Mr Gove has no interest in the operation of a three-jurisdiction agreement, despite the concordats that are in place.

"I am not against change if it makes sense. As the Minister responsible for education policy here, I am determined to make decisions that are in the best, long-term interests of learners.

"In order to protect those interests, I announced a fundamental review of GCSEs and A-Levels in October. That review is due to report to me by June at which point I will be able to make informed decisions on the way ahead.

"I am quite clear that I want a suite of qualifications that are robust, fair and portable. They must be credible in the eyes of employers and other education providers, including universities; while ensuring our learners are not disadvantaged against their peers across these islands. When I come to make my decisions, which will be well informed, I will ensure that the interests of all learners across the north are protected."

(IT/GK)