National 14 -16 Qualifications Update

Main Changes

Cross-cutting themes

  • Diversity

  • Cynefin

  • Wide range of assessment methods

  • Digital development

  • Restructuring of GCSE subjects - Cymraeg, English, Mathematics, The Sciences

25 GCSEs 

Level 1/ Level 2

120 GLH

15 VCSEs

Level 1/ Level 2

120 GLH

8 general subjects 

and 15 work-related subjects 

Entry level 1/2/3 and Level 1

120 GLH

Skills for Life & Skills for Work

28 Skills for Life units

19 Skills for Work unit

Personal Project

Any subject of learner's choice

Entry level - Level 2

60-240 GLH

GCSE

First teaching from September 2025 – WJEC new GCSE specifications:

  • Art and Design 

  • Drama

  • Music

  • Food and Nutrition

  • Geography

  • History

  • Religious Studies

  • Business

  • English Language and Literature: single and double award

  • Cymraeg Language and Literature: single and double award

  • Core Cymraeg

  • French

  • German

  • Spanish

  • Mathematics and Numeracy: double award

  • Computer Science

  • New level 2 qualification in Additional Core Cymraeg

First teaching from September 2026:

  • Integrated Science (Single Award)

  • The Sciences (Double Award)

  • Dance

  • Digital Media and Film

  • Physical Education and Health

  • Social Studies

  • Design and Technology

  • Health and Social Care, and Childcare

  • Updated GCSE qualification in Digital Technology

    New qualification in:

    • Level 2 Additional Maths

National 14-16 Qualifications 

First teaching from September 2027:

  • VCSEs

  • Foundation qualifications

  • Skills Suite

  • Personal project

  • Level 2 Additional Mathematics and Level 2 Additional Core Cymraeg are also available, with a grading scale of pass, merit and distinction.

  • Foundation grading shown applies to all subjects except Cymraeg which spans Entry Levels 1,2 and 3 only.​