Skip to main content
Logo icon
Northern Ireland
Conservatives

Main navigation

  • About us
  • News
  • Get involved
  • Contact
Logo icon
Northern Ireland
Conservatives

Sinn Féin minister risks devaluing NI exams says Tory spokesman

  • Tweet
Monday, 9 November, 2015
  • Local News

Sinn Féin minister risks devaluing NI exams says Tory spokesman

Stormont education minister, John O’Dowd, could leave pupils from Northern Ireland with “devalued qualifications”, if he refuses to consider changing GCSEs in line with reforms proposed for England, according to Conservative spokesman, Franks Shivers.  The Tory education secretary at Westminster, Nicky Morgan, outlined changes yesterday which include a wider range of grades and a greater emphasis on core academic subjects, along the lines of the successful English Baccalaureate qualification.

Mr Shivers explained, “in England exams will be graded from 9 – 1, which gives more scope to reward excellent performance.  In addition, there will be a greater emphasis on getting the vast majority of pupils to study core subjects like English, maths, a science, history or geography and a language, to GCSE level.  The plans aim to end the devaluation of GCSEs and address criticisms by employers and universities, who find that too many applicants for jobs or degree courses don’t have essential academic skills.”

“Unfortunately Mr O’Dowd shows no signs that he will look at similar changes in Northern Ireland”, Frank continued.  “That’s very alarming, because our young people have to compete in a global market for jobs and education.  It would be scandalous if pupils in Northern Ireland were left behind.”

“The basis of any successful education system is that every child and young person should receive an excellent education and academic ability should be recognised and rewarded.  Unfortunately the minister has repeatedly put these aims second to the ideological needs of Sinn Féin.  It’s vital that Northern Ireland has the best exam system possible and maintains its standing in the UK.  John O’Dowd should not be allowed to stand in the way of progress.”

Show only

  • Articles
  • Local News
  • National News
  • Opinions

Donate

We rely on the support of individuals like you.

accepted-payment-cards

Join or Renew

Help us take action on local issues and build a better Britain.

accepted-payment-cards

NI Conservatives

Footer

  • About RSS
  • Accessibility
  • Cookies
  • Privacy
  • About us
  • Get Involved
ConservativesPromoted by Alan Mabbutt on behalf of Northern Ireland Conservatives, both at The Market House, 77 Main Street Bangor BT20 5AP
Copyright 2025 NI Conservatives . All rights reserved.
Powered by Bluetree