Maths and science GCSE students will not have to memorise formulae and equations for their exams until at least 2030 under government plans.
Equation and formula sheets have been provided for maths, physics and combined science exams since 2022, as part of a stepped return to normal in exams after the pandemic.
Last November, the said the government should evaluate whether, longer term, students should be required to memorise and recall each formula and equation.
Now, school standards minister Georgia Gould has asked Ofqual to extend the current arrangements “for the lifetime of the current GCSE specifications in these subjects”.
In a to Ofqual chief regulator Sir Ian Bauckham, Ms Gould wrote: “Students will continue to be expected to understand and use these formulae and equations, maintaining high standards for what students must study.”
GCSE formula sheets given until 2030
, Sir Ian said he expected the formula sheets to apply to GCSE exams taken by students “up to and including 2030 or 2031, and any resit series after that”.
“It is important that there is clarity for teachers and students so they know, as soon as possible, what changes will be made to the exams for which they are preparing,” he said.
Ofqual is now consulting on extending this provision until GCSEs in these subjects are reformed in line with the curriculum review. The will run until 23 March.
The government’s plans for a revised curriculum, announced last year, include working to cut overall GCSE exam time by two-and-a-half to three hours for the average student.
Speaking in November, Sir Ian said schools can already cut exam times by selecting exam boards with shorter assessments.
The revised national curriculum is aimed to be ready by spring 2027, to be implemented for first teaching from September 2028, with updated GCSEs for first teaching from 2029.
Ofqual’s consultation is open for three weeks, until 23 March.
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