The Resit Rethink

A new approach for post-16 learners

Thousands of post-16 learners are caught in a cycle of resit failure and exam fatigue for GCSE English and maths, chasing a Grade 4 that is supposed to signal the level of English language and mathematical skills they need to be successful in future study or the workplace.

It’s crucial that these learners have a way to demonstrate their achievements in these foundational areas for when they enter the workplace or further study - and also that they develop the valuable literacy and numeracy skills they need to be successful in life.

That’s why we’re setting out how a rethinking and reshaping of post-16 English and maths can be brought to life – in the short, medium and long term.

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What we're calling for...

We're calling for a rethink of how post-16 English and maths students achieve success, ending the requirement to re-sit exactly the same content studied at school. Our workable, well-supported short, medium and long-term changes can start making a difference from day one and build towards the greater reform that we, and the wider education community, know is needed.

Changes with immediate impact

A longer-term vision

Through this balance of short-, medium- and long-term action, we’re committed to ensuring the thousands of young people caught in the cycle of resit failure and fatigue for GCSE English and maths get the opportunity and support they deserve to progress in a positive way.

Read the latest EPI report on Post-16 English and Maths Resits

Examining what helps – and hinders – the roughly one-third of students in England who retake English and maths each year, this new report highlights drivers for success and recommendations for the future.

Download the report

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Join us in the Resit Rethink

As we move through 2025, we’re inviting leaders, sector experts, educators and learners to continue to work with us and join this Resit Rethink to drive tangible change and make a difference now, for impact into the future.

Let us know if you’d like to be part of this #ResitRethink

Be part of the conversation

Support and resources

Let's Talk English

It’s time for us to revive English and make it the engaging, innovative and inclusive subject it truly can be.ÌýJoin us in a dynamic series of English-focused activities, including the sharing of expert-led content and resources, interactive forums and roundtable discussions.

Discover the campaign

Curriculum and Assessment Review

We’re pleased to have contributed to the Government’s call for evidence as part of the Curriculum and Assessment Review. Joining the voices of other sector experts, educators, parents/carers and learners, we've shared our research, experience and recommendations with the panel.

Read our summary of recommendations

Stay connected

Join the conversation using #TheResitRethink and let us know about the changes you want to see in the post-16 English and Maths curriculum.Ìý

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