Labour to oppose Gove’s “two tier system” of O’levels and CSEs

Labour’s opposition day debate tomorrow – which was scheduled to be on health – will instead to be on Michael Gove’s plans to bring back O’levels and CSEs.

The motion will seek to ensure that plans to change the education system are scrutinised on the floor of the House of Commons.

Speaking to LabourList this afternoon, a Labour source was keen to stress that whilst the party isn’t against reform that will improve the rigour of the exam system, there will be strong opposition to anything which resembles a “two tier system” or places a “cap on aspiration for young people”.

Crucially, Labour will be seeking to reach out to Lib Dems who have been outspoken on Gove’s plans since they were revealed late last week. If Labour and the Lib Dems unite on this issue, it could deal a damaging blow to the resurrection of the O’level.