UK plans to scrap GCSE in 2016

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2012/jun/21/michael-gove-scrap-gcse-exams#start-of-comments

The Guardian 21 June 2012-07-10Return of O-levels: Michael Gove to get rid of GCSEs in exams shakeup

Two-tier system proposed with first new tests modelled on old O-levels planned for 2016

Michael Gove is to scrap GCSE exams as the government accelerates its schools reforms to improve the teaching of core subjects.

Pupils across England will sit GCSEs for the last time in English, maths, physics, chemistry and biology in 2015, paving the way for more traditional exams modelled on the old O-levels the following year.

The education secretary has already scrapped the modular element of GCSEs and his education white paper last November signalled a major reform of the exams introduced by the Conservatives a quarter of a century ago.
But the decision to scrap GCSEs altogether and to revive O-levels, though possibly not the actual name, will be seen as one of the government's boldest reforms.
The move was signalled in an internal education department document leaked to the Daily Mail. The document says: