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Sweeping reforms to exams that could see GCSEs replaced with “I-levels” will harm vulnerable pupils, experts warned today.

Exams regulator Ofqual wants to scrap coursework and bring in a new grading system between one and eight for the new exams for 16-year-olds.

They will have a new name to differentiate them from the GCSEs taken in Wales, which are not being reformed. Ofqual has discussed using the name Intermediate Level — or I-level.

Teenagers will take the exams at the end of the course instead of in modules, and those wanting to re-sit would have to wait a year. A consultation on the proposals, which have not yet been published, is expected to be launched next week.

Those aged 12 now will be the first to take the exams. Russell Hobby of the National Association of Head Teachers said teachers will welcome having less coursework to mark, but added: “They will be worried about more vulnerable students. Exams put all the weight on a single event and the role of chance has a much higher role to play.”

Coursework will disappear in all core subjects except science. The changes do not yet apply to language exams which are expected to be reformed at a later date. Christine Blower of the National Union of Teachers said getting rid of coursework was “not the best way forward”.