Michael Gove announces new English Baccalaureate to replace GCSEs But we believe that fatalism is indicative of a dated mindset; one that believes in a distribution of abilities so fixed that great teaching can do little to change them. After years of drift, decline and dumbing down, at last we are reforming our examination to compete with the best. Stephen Twigg, the shadow education secretary, appeared to confirm reports that Labour would seek to abandon the introduction of the exams, which Mr Gove wants to begin just months after the 2015 general election, if the party is successful at the polls. Accusing Mr Gove of failing to consult with the Opposition and education experts, Mr Twigg said: "If he really wants a reform that will last, can I suggest he shelve his plans and launch a genuine consultation. Labour is absolutely committed to rigour and raising standards, but this proposed new system does not reflect the needs of society and modern economy. Mr Gove told Mr Twigg that he had "flunked his own test" by failing to support the reforms. Under the new system, pupils will sit one test at the end of their second year of study, as used to be the case with O-Levels, rather than taking modular GCSE exams with coursework submitted over two years. Claiming that the current system of competing exam boards led to a dumbing down, with teachers choosing easier courses which their students are more likely to pass, Mr Gove announced that in future only one authority would set all tests in each subject.