Further to Vikki Langford’s letter (“Exam reform will let down SEN students”, 5 October), Michael Gove’s plans to introduce the English Baccalaureate Certificate (EBC) will disadvantage many of those with SEN educated within mainstream schools.

As we celebrate both Dyslexia Awareness Week and the 10th anniversary of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act (Senda) becoming law, it is a timely reminder that the similarly divisive O-level system was responsible for the academic failure of thousands of children with specific learning difficulties.

For all its faults, the GCSE system provides a relatively fair and level playing field. It enables teachers to identify previously undiagnosed dyslexics such as my own daughter. At least the coursework element enabled her to demonstrate her research skills and knowledge application. Under the proposed EBC system, my daughter would be denied the opportunity to study the creative design subjects at which she excels.

It is time to extend Senda’s remit beyond the protection of disabled students from discrimination by and within the “educating body”, and to include potentially discriminatory actions of education secretaries.

Julie Cappleman, Chair of Dig-iT (Dyslexia Information Group in Tamworth).