GCSE grades 'to be axed' in favour of numerical system Scrapping the modular system in which GCSEs are broken up into bite-sized chunks in favour of all exams sat at the end of the two year course; Ensuring that subjects graded entirely through end-of-course exams will involve a test lasting at least three-and-a-half hours; Axing coursework in most subjects apart from the sciences where practical assessments will form 10 per cent of the total mark; Abolishing tiered papers - easy and harder exams based on pupils" abilities - apart from in maths and the sciences. The conclusions follow a 12-week consultation launched by Ofqual earlier this year amid claims from Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, that GCSEs had been devalued. Speaking in the summer, he said there was a "widespread consensus that we need to reform our examination system to restore public confidence," insisting that the new version would be "more challenging, more ambitious and more rigorous." GCSEs were introduced by the Conservatives in the late 80s to replace O-levels. Pupils were originally graded from A to G but the A* grade was added in the 90s amid fears that the exams failed to properly mark out the very brightest pupils. It is thought that Ofqual will recommend moving towards a numerical grading system in new GCSEs to signal a clear break with the past. The "U" grade is likely to be retained for pupils who fail altogether. Reformed exams in English language, English literature and maths will be brought into schools in two years" time. Changes to qualifications in science, history and geography will be delayed until 2016, it has emerged. This week, the Department for Education is also expected to publish the final content of the new English and maths GCSEs, with maths syllabuses expected to be double the size of the existing course. In a separate development on Sunday, it emerged that Ofqual is considering removing a number of "soft" GCSEs from the list of approved subjects sat by 14- to 16-year-olds. The GCSE brand may be reserved for academic subjects, while disciplines such as media studies, PE and drama are renamed. It would create a clear dividing line between academic and more practical subjects. An Ofqual spokesman insisted that the proposal would not form part of this week's report but would be considered separately in the future. He said the regulator was "looking at whether all the existing subjects should be included in the GCSE brand."