School and college leaders in the UK have publicly challenged the efficacy of the mandatory GCSE resit policy, describing the current cycle as 'relentless' and 'simply not working.' The policy requires students who do not achieve a standard pass in English and maths to retake the exams until they reach the required grade or reach the age of 18.

Data cited by educational professionals indicates a persistent gap in performance, with pass rates for resit candidates remaining consistently lower than those of students taking the exams for the first time. Critics of the policy argue that the current approach places undue pressure on students and fails to provide the necessary support or alternative pathways for those who struggle with the traditional academic assessment model. While the government maintains that these qualifications are essential for future employment and further education, the consensus among many school leaders is that the current system is demoralizing for students and requires a fundamental structural overhaul to better serve the needs of young people who have not met the initial benchmarks.