Natural History GCSE

The Royal Society of Biology has engaged with the development of the proposed Natural History GCSE through responses to OCR's proposal development, and in informal discussion with the Department for Education as it began preparing a specification for approval. Development of the Natural History GCSE was paused before the 2024 General Election, and further work on the new GCSE is not expected until after the final report of the Curriculum and Assessment Review report in late 2025.

We continue to advocate for strengthened and inclusive coverage of sustainability, biodiversity (including non-human animals and plants), and nature across the curriculum that all students engage with. Although we support the core aims of the Natural History GCSE in this regard, we note that not all students will have access to it, and not all of those that do will choose it. We believe that fostering a deeper understanding of nature, sustainability, and biodiversity is vital for all young people.

While the Natural History GCSE is not currently included in the ongoing curriculum and assessment review, recent government responses suggest it may be revisited once the review is complete.

At present, no new draft specification has been shared beyond what was consulted on previously. RSB submitted a formal representation to OCR during its consultation process in July 2020.

Find out more about OCR's plans for the new GCSE.

We will continue to monitor developments closely and engage with the Department for Education and relevant stakeholders to support coherent and effective science education across the system.