Commenting as the government announces a 12-week consultation on the subject content for a new natural history GCSE, Sarah Hannafin, head of policy for school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“This is a welcome step forward in delivering a natural history GCSE – an area of study which we think many young people will find engaging, interesting and relevant.

“A new GCSE also creates an opportunity to consider a more balanced approach to assessment which will meet the needs of a wider range of students. It should include non-exam assessment and limit exam time to only what is really needed to award a reliable grade.”