The results of a consultation into GCSE exam reform show a clear preference for the Cambridge University option - with 59 per cent of respondents stating qualifications should be politically independent of governments.

Exam reforms in the UK prompted education authorities in the Isle of Man to consider whether to follow the new system, to adopt the Scottish system or plump for the privately-run Cambridge University qualification, the International GCSE.

More than 800 submissions were received in a consultation period that ended last week. More than 80 per cent of those who responded prefer the IGCSE option. The decision has to be taken in time for the new school year this September. More than six in 10 responses came from parents and 25 per cent from teachers.

Paul Craine of the Department of Education said: 'We have a lot of work to do to fully analyse responses, especially in relation to the additional comments participants have offered. However, the consultation indicates a higher degree of consensus than we had expected and adds weight to the possibility of breaking with the English system and adopting the International GCSE.

'Ultimately, a ministerial decision will determine the way forward. We hope to be able to provide schools with clear direction in July.'

For more detail on the findings visit www.gov.im and click on 'consultations'.

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