Former Education Secretary to lead OCR 11-16 review

Former Education Secretary, Charles Clarke, is to chair a review for OCR into key parts of secondary education in England for 11-16 year olds.

OCR will consult hundreds of schools, colleges, teachers, students and experts to develop a series of 'bold and pragmatic' policy recommendations.

The OCR review, commencing this week, will focus on four areas of 11-16 curriculum and assessment: 

1. Improving English and Maths provision
2. Reducing the assessment burden at GCSE
3. Curriculum evolution 
4. Digital assessment and learning

The review, which will aim to provide concise and deliverable policy proposals, will be published in the summer. 

Jill Duffy, Chief Executive of OCR, said: "We can create something better across education and assessment at 11 to 16. In a world shaped by technological, economic and environmental disruption, the next government has a tremendous opportunity to refocus and rethink key parts of our education system. 

"We will work throughout the education system and across the political spectrum to tap into the best ideas and experiences to offer bold and pragmatic policy ideas."

Charles Clarke, who will lead the OCR Review into 11-16 Education, said: "Secondary education from 11 to 16 is the foundation of a student's life in school and in the world of work. I am pleased to be working with OCR, Cambridge and their first-rate network of educators and experts to develop ideas around how we can revitalise curriculum and assessment."

OCR is inviting contributions to the review from education professionals via policy@ocr.org.uk as well as through a series of roundtables and surveys over the coming weeks.