This year, more than 179,000 16-year-olds finished Year 11 still needing to improve their results in one or both subjects. Without that all-important grade 4 they are expected to continue studying one or both, and many will retake the GCSE at colleges. Around 60,000 of them will be successful in gaining grade 4 in one or both subjects. The issue of how best to support college students retaking their GCSE English and/or maths is hotly debated, but there is agreement that good levels of competency and fluency in English and maths are key to students’ future progression, citizenship and employment prospects. Students often start their retake programme feeling demoralised and disengaged, which can hold back their progress. They are also more likely to be experiencing greater material disadvantage compounded by a sense of failure. For many students at this level, the steps to progression can seem too big. We have to start where they are and value and recognise their progress. The development of new ‘stepping stone’ qualifications for students who leave school with a GCSE grade 2 or below, which was recommended by the curriculum and assessment review (CAR), was the subject of a recent DfE consultation. An Ofqual consultation on the detail is expected shortly. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.