On Monday morning, the first GCSEs of 2023 were sat by thousands of students throughout the UK but a recent increase in anxiety and panic has cast a dark shadow afront the British education system. 

It has been 30 years since GCSEs (General Certificate for Secondary Education) were introduced under Margaret Thatcher, in replacement of O-levels and CSEs. This new system of examination was designed to be much fairer to the larger spectrum of students as it allowed equal opportunity between all levels of ability in UK teenagers. Though initially met with positivity, the distress now caused by these new exams has begun to come to light. 
Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

A recent investigation from the Guardian triggered 200 responses- an outpour that was overwhelmingly negative as many parents and students alike reported cases of intense distress surrounding exam stress and a fear for the future. More extreme reports included accounts of suicide attempts from two pupils at one school, extreme panic attacks, breakdowns and anxiety levels so shockingly high that one boy soiled himself during a mock exam.  

It has been noticed that many students obtaining 10 GCSEs must take approximately 28 exams to achieve these qualifications, while the NSPCC have also stated that the number of referrals by schools in England seeking mental health treatment for pupils has risen by more than a third in the past three years. These statistics have urged parents to ask the important question: ‘Is this what we want as a nation- to put the future generations under these levels of incapable worry and mental stress?’ 

In addition, the everchanging specification within the last 2 years can be argued to be unachievable as budgets continue to shrink, schools remain in financial deficit and parents are asked to fill the gap with repetitive fundraisers.  

Nowadays, the concept of GCSEs is becoming increasingly futile and seemingly unfair and many concerned students, parents and teachers are feeling the need to speak out against their enforcement.