Abolishing GCSEs is huge backward step, says Brennan

Plans have emerged to abolish GCSEs, and re-introduce exams similar to O-levels for brighter children in English secondary schools.

Less able pupils would be tested more along the lines of the old CSE system.

The Education Secretary Michael Gove has long wanted to return to what he has described as more rigorous tests.

The Shadow Schools Minister Kevin Brennan accepted that the system had to change, but did not agree with Mr Gove's approach.