The case for an ‘academic’ core was taken up by the Conservatives who, in Opposition, had expressed concern about the drop in numbers taking humanities and language GCSEs, and the narrowing of opportunities for some young people not completing the full spread of subjects. They, therefore, incorporated the idea into their white paper ‘The Importance of Teaching.’

“We will introduce a new award for any student who secures good GCSE or iGCSE passes in English, maths, the sciences, a modern or ancient foreign language, and a humanity such as history or geography…at the moment only around 15% of students secure this basic suite of academic qualifications, and fewer than 4% of students eligible for free school meals do so” (Paragraph 4.21)

The current structure of the EBacc was set out in an addendum to this year’s ‘league’ tables.

Concerns have been raised from subject areas not included at present and the Secretary of State has indicated that he is prepared to listen to other options, although it should be noted that he’s keen to restrict the core to a minimum requirement. Concerns have also been raised about the position of other forms of learning such as Applied but, here too, other forms of recognition are under consideration.

Further developments may follow the inquiry into the EBacc, which the Education Select Committee is due to launch shortly.

Sign up to Edexcel’s Policy Watch and keep up to date with the latest policy, including the English Baccalaureate and Professor Alison Wolf’s review of vocational education.