It's bizarre. As you say everyone knew it was coming and no one did anything. The whole way you assess needs to change. One on one conversations, portfolios, student led teaching, who knows - but the essay as it stands is dead. The only way forward is excellent teaching that is passionate and fosters curiosity. Everything else will follow.

Education needed a shake up..

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/07/07/the-end-of-the-english-paper