Ofqual - Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation

Our processes for regulating awarding organisations have changed. If you are an awarding organisation find out how the changes affect you.
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GCSE Criteria

We stipulate the criteria for awarding organisations to follow when developing specifications for GCSEs qualifications. Specifications have to meet these criteria in order to be accredited.

Our GCSE qualification criteria explain the general aims of studying a particular subject at GCSE and outline the essential knowledge skills and understanding required. They also stipulate the structure of GCSEs and their assessment and grading. Where more than one awarding organisation is offering a GCSE, we have developed specific subject criteria to ensure consistency.

View GCSE qualification criteria.

View all GCSE subject criteria.