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England to launch Level 1 stepping-stone English, maths from 2028

8/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The England government will launch a Level 1 “stepping stone” qualification from 2028 for students who fail GCSE maths or English.
Level 1 preparatory qualifications sit one level below GCSEs and provide essential knowledge before resits.
The government says the qualification will end the “resit treadmill” for English and maths.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell said the plan gives people skills and confidence instead of labeling them failures.

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Story summary

The England government will launch a Level 1 “stepping stone” qualification from 2028 for students who fail GCSE maths or English.
Level 1 preparatory qualifications sit one level below GCSEs and provide essential knowledge before resits.
The government says the qualification will end the “resit treadmill” for English and maths.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell said the plan gives people skills and confidence instead of labeling them failures.