The "short course" GCSE, which can be taken in subjects including religious education, physical education and art, covers fewer topics than an ordinary GCSE and is valued at half the fullqualification.
At the same time the AS-level would no longer be a stepping stone exam that counts towards a full A-level but instead become a stand-alone qualification.
Another embarrassing finding was that less than a fifth of young people who choose the full-time education and training option are leaving it with the qualification they aimed for.
It has become popular with pupils wanting another qualification and who want the flexibility of a less intensive course, which can be studied alongside full GCSEs.
But having just completed his residence qualification, Kieswetter, who has a South African father and Scottish mother, looks could be poised for full England honours.