History 'disappearing from schools'

Many secondary schools are squeezing existing three-year history courses into just two or merging the subject with geography to form generic “humanities” lessons, it was claimed.

Some schools are also preventing children from taking history GCSEs to steer them towards easier vocational qualifications.

The Historical Association, which made the disclosure in a survey of 600 schools, warned that the move risked seriously undermining children’s grasp of the past.

It comes just days after Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, announced plans to create a new English Baccalaureate in an attempt to boost traditional subjects.