Consultation this summer with schools piloting our GCSE in Construction showed that many teachers would prefer more vocational content than the pilot GCSE offers.  Edexcel subsequently indicated that it would withdraw the pilot GCSE and concentrate resources to develop the new industry and government supported Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment to complement its other established BTEC qualifications in CBE (there is a BTEC First already taken in schools by thousands of students this year, worth 4 GCSEs).  Subsequent consultation has indicated that whilst those teachers wanted the more vocational element, some were not in a position to offer the BTEC First in schools yet.  They have also said that they want a 1xGCSE-sized BTEC Award. 

Edexcel is to therefore continue with the pilot for a further year after which time the Edexcel CBE Diploma offer will be available to more schools and colleges. Edexcel is also consulting on plans to offer the 1xGCSE equivalent BTEC Award in the subject to meet the need identified by schools.