Congratulations to all young people receiving their GCSE results today and recognition too for the sustained, dedicated work of their teachers and support staff. Yet another cohort has navigated England’s unusually exam-heavy assessment system. Many students have faced more than 30 hours of high-stakes testing - far more than their peers internationally. This places too much weight on performance over just a few days, when illness or other circumstances can have a significant impact. End-of-course exams can also prioritise memorisation over the wider skills we know are essential for work and life, including communication, collaboration and problem-solving. The Millburn Review’s interim report warned that our narrow approach to Key Stage 4 assessment risks disengaging young people rather than preparing them for life beyond school. It’s time to review the one-size-fits-all approach to GCSE resits. For too many young people, it simply isn’t working. We welcome the new Secretary of State’s acknowledgement of England’s exam burden and urge her to work with the profession to develop a broader approach to assessment that gives every young person the opportunity to demonstrate their strengths. And we cannot ignore the impact of poverty and regional inequality on educational outcomes. Schools do all they can to tackle disadvantage, but they cannot do it alone. Government must address the pressure and strain experienced by young people in disadvantaged communities - and ensure schools and colleges have the funding they need to support every learner to succeed.