← Back to House of Commons Debates
Educational Assessments
17 March 2022
Lead MP
Flick Drummond
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
NHSBenefits & WelfareMental HealthChildren & Families
Other Contributors: 0
At a Glance
Flick Drummond raised concerns about educational assessments in the House of Commons. A government minister responded.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The MP raised concerns about the current educational assessment system, arguing that it is outdated and not aligned with modern societal needs. She cited statistics showing poor performance rates in GCSEs and highlighted issues such as mental health impacts on students due to high-stakes testing. Drummond proposed a reform towards a more skills-based curriculum alongside knowledge acquisition, advocating for changes like assessments at age 18 rather than 16, and broader learning outcomes that include oracy and teamwork.
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the importance of mental health and skills-based education but defended the current system of GCSEs and A-levels, arguing they are internationally respected and essential for progression. He emphasised ongoing reforms to improve vocational qualifications and provided details on pandemic-era adjustments for fairer assessment in 2021-2023. The Minister stated no plans for wholesale reform, praising existing measures for their stability and quality.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.