The latest row (see Saturday’s Telegraph) to erupt over testing is over the request by some state schools to be allowed to allow their pupils to sit IGCSEs.
IGCSEs are generally regarded as being more rigorous, which is why many private schools have now opted for them. In March of this year, Manchester Grammar school also elected to switch.
The problem is that the Labour government has refused to recognise them – this despite the fact that, according to Cambridge International Exams, IGCSEs are offered in over one hundred countries throughout the world.
If the Tories get in, they say they will allow them to be introduced. So far, ever true to its imperious and illiberal instincts, Labour is resisting.