Natural History: GCSE
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Department for Education's press release entitled New natural history GCSE to grow next generation of green careers, published on 12 June 2026, what metrics will be used to assess the success of the qualification following its introduction.
Answered by Georgia Gould
On 12 June, the department launched a public consultation on proposed subject content for a new natural history GCSE. The consultation is open from 12 June to 4 September, and we will consider feedback carefully before finalising the subject content.
It is for schools to choose the qualifications they offer at key stage 4, and for pupils to choose the qualifications they take. We have worked with stakeholders to develop content which is high-quality, rigorous, and which represents a worthwhile course of study. As the GCSE is finalised, the department will consider the delivery of the GCSE.
It is for schools to employ the best qualified teachers for any particular posts, taking into account relevant skills and experience as well as formal training and qualifications. As with other GCSEs, we will not set additional requirements for natural history teaching.
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