Gove was called before parliament today to answer MPs questions after details of planned changes, said to include introducing exams modelled on CSEs for less-able students and O-levels for the more academic, were leaked to the media.
Teaching unions have criticised the plan, saying it will create a “two-tier” system, but speaking to MPs, Gove argued the case for change.
“There are weaknesses with current GCSEs which privilege bite-size learning over deep understanding, pockets of knowledge over real learning,” he said.
“We have been considering how to address these concerns and plan to publish a consultation paper shortly.
“We want to tackle the culture of competitive dumbing down and make sure exam boards cannot compete with each other on the basis of how easy exams are.
“It will require careful implementation which is why we wish the conversation to be broad and inclusive. It is in all our interests that our children do better than ever before.”
Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, described the plans as an example of Gove's ambition to create a “two-tier education system”.
"Thousands of young people will be taking their GCSEs today and at a time when they need a confidence boost they are being told by the Secretary of State that the examinations they are taking are worthless," she said.
"There is no evidence that the current system is broken, that examinations are getting easier or that our qualifications are trailing behind the best in the world.
"Michael Gove's arrogance is breathtaking. Not only is he upsetting thousands of young people, parents and teachers but he is also consigning Margaret Thatcher's historic education reforms to the dustbin of history."
Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said Gove's criticism of GCSEs as “dumbed down” was “not only incorrect but also very offensive to those pupils and teachers who achieve great results every year”.
“Getting rid of GCSEs and replacing them with the old O-level and CSE qualifications could easily lower aspirations and exacerbate inequalities in society,” she added.
“Children develop at different stages in their school career. Deciding at the age of 14 which exam route pupils take is to no ones benefit.
“The teaching profession must be properly consulted on such a crucial change in the examination system.
“Teachers are not mere deliverers’ of knowledge but are there to inspire and motivate their students with a curriculum that is for everyone and not just for the few.”
Details of the plans appear to have provoked a political row within the heart of government.
It has been reported that the Liberal Democrats were not aware of the proposals until today, with sources quoted as saying Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is prepared to block the move.
A statement issued on the Liberal Democrat website, said the party is not in favour of a "two-tier system".
Dan Rogerson, co-chair of the Liberal Democrat parliamentary party committee on education, said: “Reform needs to be managed carefully and we should avoid creating a huge amount of turbulence and distraction in the education system for no real gain.
“Rather than harking back to an age when children started their adult life with qualifications that were seen as second rate, we want to look forward and work with teachers and schools to give them the freedom and tools needed to stretch pupils, drive up standards and entrench a culture of high expectations in every school.”
Meanwhile, Graham Stuart, chair of the education select committee, has said he will be calling Gove in front of the committee to explain the plans.
The education select committee recently held an inquiry looking into how school examinations for 15-to 19-year-olds in England should be run. The findings are due to be published imminently.
