English Baccalaureate

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is a school performance indicator in England linked to the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) results.[1]: 7  It measures students' attainment by calculating an average score from specified subject grades. The EBacc includes subjects which are studied in many subsequent university programmes.[2]

In order to have an EBacc score for any student, they must take the following subjects at GCSE level:[2]

  • English Language and English Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Either Combined Science or three (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Physics)
  • Either a Modern or an Ancient Foreign Language
  • Geography or History

The EBacc concept emerged months after the 2010 general election, and has been modified and reduced in ambitions and scope but it is still in place as of 2024. Its intentions then were; to ensure all age 16 students left with a set of academic qualifications, to strengthen the position of 'core subjects' in schools and to increase social mobility.[1]: 7 

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference EDSK was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b "English Baccalaureate (EBacc)". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2020-03-04.