The DfES has launched a consultation seeking your views on international GCSEs (iGCSEs) in the maintained sector to help decide whether to further explore these issues with Awarding Bodies. 

iGCSEs are designed primarily as qualifications for overseas candidates. More recently they have been taken up by some schools in the independent sector and there have been suggestions that they should be available in the maintained sector. The DfES is not changing the requirements of the national curriculum and its commitment to GCSEs remains as firm as ever. There are no plans to drop these qualifications.

For further information and to respond to the consultation see the e-consultations area of the DfES website. Closing date 22 February 2007.