The General Certificate of Secondary Education or GCSE, normally taken at the age of 16, sets a standard which the majority are expected to attain, but the General Certificate of Education at Ordinary Level (GCE O Level) which it replaced used a quota system for each grade. At the age of 18 access to higher education has been widened, with 30% of the age group now expected to enter higher education in the mid-1990s compared to 15% in 1979. Both developments have led to concern over falling standards.

Dr Ju Gosling aka ju90's ABNORMAL: How Britain became body dysphoric and the key to a cure is available now for just £3.09 for the Kindle or in a limited-edition hardback with full-colour art plates for £20 inc UK postage and packing. Book cover