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Changes to England's exam systems explained

Headteachers are warning that changes to the exam system in England, which come into force in September, risk causing significant problems for schools.

Headteachers are warning that changes to the exam system in England, which come into force in September, risk causing significant problems for schools.

The National Association of Headteachers says there could be some 'volatility', with parents and students unsure what subjects to study and which exams to sit.

Vice Principal at Bristol Brunel Academy, Cameron Shaw explained to 5 live Breakfast how the new changes will affect pupils.

He said the "most obvious" change will be the replacement of the A* to G grading system by a numerical 1-9 system, where grade 9 will be the highest.

"It will be harder to achieve those top grades because only 50% of those who currently get an A* would get that grade 9" due to the introduction of "harder content" at GCSE level.

The government says A-levels and GCSEs need to be more rigorous so students in England can reach the same standard as pupils in high performing countries like Singapore, Korea and Hong Kong.

This clip is originally from 5 live Breakfast on Thursday 5 March 2015.

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