Petition: Stop Forcing Students with Learning Difficulties to Retake Maths and English in College

To: The Department for Education, Local Authorities, and College Leaders

We, the undersigned, call for an urgent change to the current policy that forces students with learning difficulties to keep retaking English and maths if they do not achieve a passing grade at school.

While English and maths are important subjects, this system is unfair and damaging to young people who have genuine learning difficulties. Being required to repeat these exams year after year leads to:

High levels of stress, anxiety, and frustration

Loss of confidence and self-esteem

Less time for practical learning, vocational training, and life skills

Higher dropout rates and reduced chances of success

Education should empower every student. For young people with learning difficulties, compulsory retakes often do the opposite. These students need support that focuses on their strengths, abilities, and future goals — not repeated failures in subjects that may always be a challenge for them.

We are asking for:

An end to compulsory retakes in English and maths for students with learning difficulties.

Alternative, meaningful qualifications that reflect their abilities and provide real opportunities.

A more flexible and inclusive education system that values vocational skills, creativity, and independence alongside academic achievement.

Every young person deserves the chance to succeed. By changing this policy, we can create a fairer, more supportive education system for students with learning difficulties.

Sign this petition if you believe in an education system that supports all learners — not one that sets them up to fail.