GCSE changes explained

Plans to scrap GCSEs in key subjects in England and replace them with English Baccalaureate Certificates are set to be abandoned by the government.

The reversal is set to be announced by the education secretary in the Commons later, alongside curriculum changes.

Michael Gove had planned to bring in what he said were more rigorous exams in some core subjects from 2015, but faced criticism from MPs and teachers.

Chris Cook, comment editor of the Financial Times, explained to Today presenter Evan Davis the details of the differences between the current system, the proposed system that appears to have been dropped, and what could now be done within the GCSE framework.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme on Thursday 7 February 2013.