Post-16 GCSE English and maths resits have long been criticised as a demoralising cycle for students who don’t pass first time. A new “stepping stone” qualification aims to change that. Here’s what’s actually being introduced.
Quick Answer: What Is the Stepping Stone Qualification?
The stepping stone qualification is a new Level 1 “preparation for GCSE” course for post-16 students with a grade 2 or below (including unclassified or no recorded grade) in English or maths, designed to build foundational knowledge before attempting a GCSE resit. Most eligible students would take it in their first year of post-16 study, then progress to the GCSE resit in their second year.
Why This Is Being Introduced
Current post-16 GCSE resit pass rates are low, with recent figures showing only around 15% of maths resit students and 20% of English resit students achieving a grade 4 or above, and the policy has faced sustained criticism for leaving students in a repeated cycle of exam failure. The reform follows a recommendation from the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, led by Professor Becky Francis, and specifically aims to address the disproportionate impact on disadvantaged students, since white British pupils eligible for free school meals are more than twice as likely to need a resit as more affluent peers.
Who It’s For
- Grade 2 or below (or unclassified): eligible for the new stepping stone qualification rather than going straight into a GCSE resit.
- Grade 3: continues to access the GCSE resit directly, without the stepping stone qualification.
- The condition of funding rule remains: 16 to 19-year-olds without a grade 4 pass are still required to keep studying English and maths, but the stepping stone gives lower-attaining students more structured time before their first resit attempt.
How It’s Designed to Work
Unlike Functional Skills qualifications, which will continue to exist alongside it, the new stepping stone course is designed specifically to prepare students for a grade 4 GCSE pass, aligned to GCSE content and addressing gaps from earlier key stages. It’s expected to include modular assessment so students can “bank” progress along the way, intended to build confidence rather than repeat the same all-or-nothing exam format.
What Happens Next
The government consulted on the detailed design of the new qualifications in 2026, with further consultations expected on curriculum and assessment arrangements before rollout. Sector reaction has been broadly positive, including cautious welcomes from organisations like National Numeracy, though detail on exact timing and full implementation is still being worked through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the stepping stone qualification?
Students with a grade 2 or below (including unclassified or no recorded grade) in GCSE English or maths are the intended group, while students with a grade 3 continue to access the GCSE resit directly.
Does the stepping stone qualification replace GCSE resits entirely?
No, it’s designed as preparation before a resit, not a replacement for it. Students still work towards achieving a full grade 4 GCSE pass, typically in their second year of post-16 study after completing the stepping stone course.
Will Functional Skills qualifications still be available?
Yes, Functional Skills qualifications are set to remain available alongside the new stepping stone qualification, giving colleges and students more than one route depending on individual circumstances.
