The ebacc

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc)

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) was introduced as a performance measure in the 2010 school performance tables. It is important to note that it is not a separate qualification. The measure recognises where students have achieved a grade 5 or better at GCSE in English, Mathematics, two Sciences, Geography or History and a modern or ancient language. From 2014 Computer Science has also been included as one of the Science options in the English Baccalaureate performance measure.  One of the most common questions asked by parents when thinking about the EBacc set of qualifications is  ‘Why should my child study the EBacc? ’.

At present it is not a prerequisite, nor is it a separate qualification, for particular careers or university courses, but may prove to be extremely useful. One advantage is that it provides a broad set of academic qualifications which will ensure progression opportunities when students make their post 16 and university choices. In particular they provide excellent progression to A levels which are often required for degrees in the maths and sciences as well as languages and communication and often recommended for humanities degrees. 

A further advantage often presented, is that students in many countries must take Maths, Science and a language, whereby having this broad set of qualifications will enable students to compete more effectively in today's society. The EBacc subjects are considered advantageous to many degrees and they ensure that all doors for future study are kept open.  

A study by the UCL Institute of Education shows that studying subjects included in the EBacc provides students with greater opportunities in further education and increases the likelihood that a pupil will stay on in full-time education. Sutton Trust research reveals that studying the EBacc can also help improve a young person’s performance in English and maths because of the nature of the transferable skills in those EBacc subjects. 

 The Russell Group* have some useful information regarding making informed Pre-16 choices on their web page should you wish to read further on the GCSE and A level entry requirements to Russell Group universities. 

Therefore, where students have the potential to achieve the EBacc we would encourage them to consider taking that combination of subjects. The choice of whether or not to do so is one that you and your child will need to make. This decision is best made in consultation with senior leaders, subject teachers, tutors and the Head of Community.

*The Russell Group represents 24 leading UK universities which are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with business and the public sector. Source: http://russellgroup.ac.uk/about/