GCSE exam-takers in 2024 could use support material
The Department has asked Ofqual to make arrangements to continue providing formulae and equation sheets for GCSE exams in 2024.
Ofqual is launching a consultation on this to get insight from the sector on introducing this expectation, and it will run for two weeks, ending on 30 November 2023 at 11:45pm.
If the plans go ahead, students set to sit their GCSE exams in 2024 could receive additional support material to support them in mathematics, physics, and combined science GCSEs, as was the case for 2023 exams. This means students will not have to memorise formulae, as they need to in a normal year.
These proposed arrangements recognise the disruption this cohort of students experienced during their secondary education due to national school closures during the pandemic while these pupils were in year 7 and 8.
An Ofqual spokesperson said: “In response to the Department for Education’s announcement that students taking exams in 2024 will not need to memorise the usual formulae and equations for GCSE maths, physics and combined science, Ofqual is now seeking views on the use of formulae and equation sheets for these exams in 2024.
“Students, teachers, school and college leaders, unions, exams officers, exam boards, employers and further education institutions are encouraged to take part in the consultation.”
2024 will be the final year where enhanced formulae and equation sheets will be available, returning to normal exam arrangements in 2025.
The department’s decision on arrangements for 2025 reflect that those pupils will have had the opportunity to benefit from more time in secondary school with support from teachers and interventions such as the national tutoring programme, compared to students from the previous two cohorts.
Read more
Latest News
04/11/2025 - 09:55
The policy introduces the new Chief Regulator’s Rebuke - a new tool which can be used when an awarding organisation is found to have breached rules, but not in a way that warrants a financial penalty.
03/11/2025 - 10:04
The government has launched a new campaign supported by Sport England that aims to help parents discover simple ways to build movement into daily life during the winter months.
03/11/2025 - 09:55
Nearly eight in ten UK teachers have had to rethink how they set assignments because of Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to a new British Council survey.
31/10/2025 - 10:12
A growing number of UK children are now eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), yet most still aren’t taking advantage of them on a daily basis, new research reveals.
30/10/2025 - 01:28
In the wake of the Raac crisis, the DfE spent £5 million on research into the condition of school buildings, which is due to conclude in spring 2026.
