YOUNGSTERS taking maths and science GCSEs will no longer have to memorise equations and formulae.
Education ministers sparked a row over “dumbing down” the curriculum as they confirmed the move today.
The requirement to learn formulae by heart was first dropped in 2022 to help ease Covid disruption.
Since then, pupils have been given formula sheets in exams.
School Standards Minister Georgia Gould said it will now stay in place until at least 2030, after experts recommended it should remain under review.
Responding, Tory Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott blasted: “Labour are hell-bent on dumbing down school standards in this country.
“They fail to understand we should believe all children can do better, not lowering the bar.
“It will be the most disadvantaged that will suffer and that will be the legacy of this PM.”
Reform’s Education Spokesperson, Suella Braverman, added: “This risks diminishing rigour and long-term understanding at a time when we should be raising standards.
“We must equip young people with deep competence and should aspire to higher expectations, not lower.”
Former Ofsted chief Baroness Amanda Spielman lambasted the decision, saying: “I’m afraid Georgia Gould is making a terrible mistake which will have long term consequences for a generation of children.”
The Education Secretary announced plans to revise the school curriculum last year, including cutting GCSE exam time by two-and-a-half to three hours.
Final changes will be published by Spring 2027 and brought in from September 2028.
Writing to exams watchdog Ofqual, Ms Gould said: “For the lifetime of the current GCSE specifications in these subjects, students should not be required to memorise formulae and equations for assessment purposes.
“Students will continue to be expected to understand and use these formulae and equations, maintaining high standards for what students must study.”
