It is formal ASCL policy that students should be provided with enhanced formulae and equation sheets in GCSE maths, combined science and physics in 2024, and we have been calling on the DfE and Ofqual to confirm that this will be the case for many months. This decision is therefore very welcome and we strongly agree with all the proposals.

As Ofqual’s own analysis shows that it did not ‘identify any significant assessment issues relating to the introduction of these arrangements in 2022 or 2023’, we cannot understand why these arrangements should not continue in perpetuity. If the validity of candidates’ mathematical and scientific assessment was not compromised, then we fail to see why this support should not become a permanent feature of these qualifications.

We strongly welcome the decision to provide this support in 2024, but are disappointed it has been made so late into the autumn term, despite ASCL and other unions repeatedly bringing it up in stakeholder meetings. Many schools and colleges will have already completed mock exams under the (then correct) assumption that formulae and equation sheets would not be in place.

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