IB-commissioned research questions GCSE focus in early secondary years

International Baccalaureate logo. Editorial graphic: EdEvents News.

GCSE preparation is shaping the curriculum well before examination years, according to research commissioned by the International Baccalaureate and announced on 13 October. The report examines Key Stage 3 education for 11- to 14-year-olds in England.

Conducted by PF Global, Education’s Overlooked Middle Child: Reclaiming Key Stage 3 draws on students, parents, teachers and education leaders. It found that 57% of teachers surveyed identified GCSE preparation as a leading influence on the curriculum.

Only 36% of students could see a connection between their learning and life beyond examinations or a future career in most or all lessons. Almost four in ten teachers said Key Stage 3 received less leadership attention than the examination years.

The report calls for a clearer shared purpose for these years, including curiosity, confidence and opportunities to apply learning. Its findings concern England rather than international schools, but raise relevant questions for British-curriculum leaders about the balance between examination preparation and a broader early secondary education.

Read the IB’s summary and access the research report.