GOVERNMENT plans to replace GCSEs with O-Level-style exams were leaked last month, attracting accusations of a return to a "two-tier system" of qualifications which, teaching unions say, will do little to address social mobility.

The row has erupted over Michael Gove's plans to scrap GCSEs in English, maths and science from 2014, in favour of a traditional model styled on the old O-Level, as part of a radical move to boost standards among 14 to 16 year olds.

While unions believe the new proposals will be divisive, the education secretary is concerned that the GCSE exams are too easy and fail to prepare teenagers for the demands of sixth form and university.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.