Today Michael Gove announced details of the GCSE reform planned to come into place in August 2015.

The Department for Education is now seeking views on proposed subject content and assessment objectives for new GCSEs. The Society of Biology will be responding through SCORE (Science Community Representing Education, a collaboration of leading science organisations).

In parallel with this consultation, Ofqual are consulting on the regulatory requirements for the reformed GCSEs, to which we will also be contributing.

The Society of Biology welcomes the input of Members and Fellows who have expertise in this area.

Dr Mark Downs, chief executive of the Society of Biology, says: "A sound education at school level is essential for future scientists and citizens. This consultation provides a valuable opportunity to help shape the exam system and syllabus which will nurture students and offer them a fair assessment."

SCORE recently launched a report showing that science education in schools suffers due to a lack of essential resources for practical work, and a produced a response to national curriculum changes.