Are GCSEs still a useful way of measuring a student's abilities?

GCSEs remain the main qualifications taken by pupils in England at age 16, with much of their assessment based on final examinations.

Critics argue the system places too much emphasis on high-stakes exams and does not fully reflect skills such as creativity, communication, or practical ability.

Supporters say GCSEs provide a consistent national standard for measuring academic knowledge and help schools, colleges, and employers compare attainment.

The issue has prompted debate over whether GCSEs remain a useful measure of a student's abilities.