We've Got This!

Supporting You Every Step of the Way with the New 14-16 Qualifications!

Change can feel daunting, but we’re here to help. By 2027, Wales will see a fresh suite of qualifications designed to meet the needs of today’s learners. This site is your go-to hub for updates, resources, and opportunities to get involved as we transition to the new Skills Suite, Foundation, and VCSE qualifications.

Stay informed and connected as we advance these qualifications to meet the needs of learners and institutions across Wales.

Skills Suite

The Skills Suite is designed to empower learners with the practical skills they need to succeed in life, work, and further study. Each component focuses on developing personal growth, workplace readiness, and independent thinking, offering a flexible, inclusive learning experience.

Skills for Life

Units like Mental Health and Wellbeing, Home Management, and Community Participation that prepare learners for independent, happy, and healthy lives.

Skills for Work

Topics such as Digital Skills, Customer Service, and Teamwork to build employability and workplace readiness.

The Personal Project

An opportunity for learners to dive deep into a topic they’re passionate about, developing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

The Skills Suite is an integral part of the 14-16 qualifications, providing learners with a broad toolkit of skills for real-world applications. These units are designed to inspire, engage, and prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

VCSEs

Vocational Certificates of Secondary Education

VCSEs are work-focused qualifications spanning Level 1 and Level 2.

They introduce learners to specific industries through practical, hands-on learning and assessments. The VCSEs will be available in the following occupational areas...

Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry
Animal Care
Built Environment
Business, Accounting and Finance
Creative and Media Production
Engineering
Health and Social Care (L1 Only)
Hospitality and Catering
Motor Vehicle Maintenance
Nature Restoration
Performing Arts (L2 Only)
Public Services
Retail and Logistics
Sport, Leisure and Fitness.

These VCSEs provide learners with an engaging introduction to occupational areas, developing the skills and knowledge they need for their next steps.

Foundation Qualifications

Foundation qualifications offer a flexible, inclusive pathway for learners who may not feel ready to pursue GCSEs or VCSEs. These qualifications are designed for learners to gain confidence and develop skills at Entry Level and Level 1, with an emphasis on practical and meaningful learning experiences.

General Subjects	Work-Related Subjects
Cymraeg (Welsh) English Mathematics and Numeracy Science Digital Technology Design and Technology Expressive Arts Humanities	Agriculture Horticulture and Forestry Health and Social Care Motor Vehicle Maintenance Built Environment Hospitality and Catering Sport, Leisure and Fitness Creative and Digital Media Production

Foundation qualifications will allow centres to tailor their delivery to meet the specific needs of learners. These qualifications encourage learners to build confidence, engage with learning, and prepare for further education or employment.

Have your say!

Participate in Agored Cymru’s Consultation on 14-16 Qualifications Reform in Wales

Take part in our online consultation for the review of Agored Cymru’s new suite of 14-16 qualifications including Skills Suite, VCSEs and Foundation Qualifications.

Why Your Feedback Matters:

This consultation provides an opportunity to influence key areas, including qualification structure, content, and assessment methods. Your input will help us ensure these qualifications remain relevant and impactful for learners today.

The consultation is open until XXXXXXX, and participants can indicate their interest in joining a steering group for the next stage of development.

Introduction to the New Qualifications

What are the new Made-for-Wales qualifications?

The new Made-for-Wales qualifications are designed to meet the needs of learners aged 14–16 and align with the Curriculum for Wales. These qualifications include GCSEs, VCSEs (Vocational Certificates of Secondary Education), Foundation Qualifications, and the Skills Suite. They aim to provide a balanced, inclusive approach to learning, equipping learners with the skills and knowledge to succeed in education, work, and life.

Why are these qualifications being developed?

These qualifications are being introduced to better align with the four purposes of the Curriculum for Wales, ensuring learners become ambitious, capable learners; enterprising, creative contributors; ethical, informed citizens; and healthy, confident individuals. They reflect the changing needs of learners, communities, and the economy.

How do the new qualifications differ from the current ones?

The new qualifications build on the strengths of Agored Cymru’s current offer, continuing to provide flexible, modular pathways that are inclusive, practical, and learner-centred, meeting the diverse needs of learners. Qualifications in our Learning Core, such as PSE and WRE, already align seamlessly with the Curriculum for Wales, offering practical, meaningful learning opportunities with cross-level progression.

What Qualifications Are Available?

What types of qualifications will be offered?

The new suite includes:

GCSEs: Academic-focused qualifications in a wide range of subjects.
VCSEs: Career- and training-focused qualifications at Level 1 and Level 2.
Foundation Qualifications:
- General Foundation: Designed for learners who may not be ready to complete GCSEs.
- Work-Related Foundation: Vocational qualifications at Entry Level and Level 1, providing a precursor to VCSEs.
Skills Suite: Focused on developing life and work skills, including a Personal Project.

Can learners mix and match qualifications?

Yes! Learners can combine GCSEs, VCSEs, Foundation Qualifications, and Skills Suite units to create tailored pathways suited to their needs and aspirations. This approach ensures that every learner is given the opportunity to succeed.

What subjects will be available across the new qualifications?

The subjects reflect a diverse range of academic, vocational, and flexible pathways:

GCSEs: Academic subjects such as Mathematics, English, Welsh, Sciences, History, Geography, and more.
VCSEs: Practical fields like Agriculture, Public Services, Creative Media, Health and Social Care, and Construction.
General Foundation: Core areas like English, Mathematics, and Digital Technology for learners not ready to complete GCSEs.
Work-Related Foundation: Vocational qualifications in areas such as Hospitality, Motor Vehicle Maintenance, and Retail.
Skills Suite: Modules like Skills for Life, Skills for Work, and a Personal Project.

Modernising Assessment

How will these qualifications be assessed?

The new qualifications use modernised assessment methods, which may include:

Practical tasks and projects
Digital submissions
Collaborative activities
Traditional written exams where appropriate

These approaches ensure assessments are engaging, relevant, and fair.

What types of digital assessments will be available?

Digital assessments will vary by subject and awarding body. Agored Cymru is committed to working with centres and regulators to ensure digital assessments are learner-centred and subject-appropriate, using platforms and systems that enhance accessibility and engagement.

Support for Learners, Parents, and Educators

How will these qualifications benefit learners?

The new qualifications provide flexible pathways, combining practical skills with academic learning. They help learners develop confidence, explore career opportunities, and gain transferable skills for further education or employment.

What support is available for teachers delivering these qualifications?

Teachers will have access to:

Assessment guidance
Sample assessments and resources
Professional learning opportunities to build confidence in delivering and assessing the new qualifications.

How can parents support their children studying these qualifications?

Parents can:

Work with schools to understand their child’s options
Encourage exploration of subjects that align with their child’s interests and strengths
Stay informed through school communications and Agored Cymru updates.

What resources will schools need to deliver the new qualifications?

Schools may need:

Specialist equipment for practical subjects, such as digital tools for creative media
Training for staff to deliver and assess the new qualifications effectively
Updated timetables and curriculum plans to integrate the new qualifications into the curriculum
Strengthened partnerships with local colleges and employers to offer learners real-world opportunities and hands-on practical experiences in areas such as motor vehicle maintenance, agriculture, and other vocational fields.

Pathways and Progression

How do these qualifications support progression?

The qualifications provide clear pathways to:

Further education (e.g., A-Levels, vocational training, or apprenticeships)
Employment, with skills and knowledge directly applicable to the workplace.

How do the qualifications cater to learners with additional needs?

All qualifications are designed using Fair Access by Design principles to ensure they are inclusive and accessible to all learners, with flexible assessments and support where needed.

Stakeholder Involvement

How have learners, educators, and other stakeholders been involved in developing the new qualifications?

The new qualifications have been co-constructed with input from learners, teachers, parents, employers, and colleges. Their feedback has shaped the structure, content, and assessment methods, ensuring qualifications meet the needs of learners and the wider community.

What opportunities will there be for further input?

Agored Cymru is holding Steering Group meetings with schools, colleges, and employers throughout 2025. If you have not received an invitation but would like to take part, please contact product.development@agored.cymru.

Will any of Agored Cymru’s current pre-16 (14–16) qualifications still be available after September 2027?

Qualifications Wales (QW) is currently conducting a review on current pre-16 qualifications. This review will determine which existing qualifications overlap with the new ones, ensuring only the most relevant options remain.

Grading and Equivalencies

How are VCSEs and Work-Related Foundation Qualifications graded?

VCSEs: Graded as:
- Level 1 Pass
- Level 1 Merit
- Level 2 Pass
- Level 2 Merit
- Level 2 Distinction
- Level 2 Distinction*
Work-Related Foundation Qualifications: Graded as:
- Entry 1 Pass
- Entry 2 Pass
- Entry 3 Pass
- Level 1 Pass

What is the difference between a Level 1 Pass in a VCSE and a Foundation Qualification?

Both qualifications are equivalent at Level 1 on the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW). However:

VCSE Level 1 Pass focuses on sector-specific skills and progression to Level 2 vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, or employment.
Foundation Level 1 Pass is designed to build broader core skills like literacy and numeracy and prepares learners for further study or progression into VCSEs or GCSEs.

Barod i fynd!

Supporting You Every Step of the Way with the New 14-16 Qualifications!

Stay informed and connected as we advance these qualifications to meet the needs of learners and institutions across Wales.

Mynegwch eich barn!

Cymerwch ran yn Ymgynghoriad Agored Cymru ar Ddiwygio Cymwysterau Addysg Ariannol

Cymerwch ran yn ein hymgynghoriad ar-lein ar gyfer adolygu'r gyfres newydd o gymwysterau Addysg Ariannol 14-19 gan Agored Cymru, wedi cymryd drosodd yn ddiweddar o'r London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF)..

Pam mae Eich Adborth yn Bwysig:

Mae'r ymgynghoriad hwn yn gyfle i ddylanwadu ar feysydd allweddol, gan gynnwys strwythur y cymwysterau, cynnwys, a dulliau asesu. Bydd eich mewnbwn yn ein helpu i sicrhau bod y cymwysterau hyn yn parhau i fod yn berthnasol ac yn effeithiol i ddysgwyr heddiw..

Mae'r ymgynghoriad ar agor tan 22 Tachwedd 2024, a gall cyfranogwyr nodi eu diddordeb mewn ymuno â grŵp llywio ar gyfer y cam nesaf o’r datblygiad.

We've Got This!

About the Qualifications

Preparing Learners for Life, Work, and Their Future

From September 2027, learners aged 14-16 in Wales will have access to a fresh, inclusive suite of qualifications designed to reflect the needs of the modern world and the goals of the Curriculum for Wales.

What Are the New Qualifications?

Have your say!

Participate in Agored Cymru’s Consultation on 14-16 Qualifications Reform in Wales

Take part in our online consultation for the review of Agored Cymru’s new suite of 14-16 qualifications including Skills Suite, VCSEs and Foundation Qualifications.

Why Your Feedback Matters:

Frequently asked questions...

Introduction to the New Qualifications

What Qualifications Are Available?

Modernising Assessment

Support for Learners, Parents, and Educators

Pathways and Progression

Stakeholder Involvement

Grading and Equivalencies

LEARNING CORE

Did you know that Agored Cymru offers over 220 Post-16 qualifications?

We continuously innovate to meet the changing needs of education, ensuring our qualifications remain relevant and valuable. Explore new ways to work with us and discover the benefits of our diverse qualification offerings.

Listen to our Podcast...

Stay Connected

Barod i fynd!

Mynegwch eich barn!

Cymerwch ran yn Ymgynghoriad Agored Cymru ar Ddiwygio Cymwysterau Addysg Ariannol

Cymerwch ran yn ein hymgynghoriad ar-lein ar gyfer adolygu'r gyfres newydd o gymwysterau Addysg Ariannol 14-19 gan Agored Cymru, wedi cymryd drosodd yn ddiweddar o'r London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF)..

Pam mae Eich Adborth yn Bwysig:

Cwestiynau Cyffredin

CRAIDD DYSGU

Oeddech chi'n gwybod fod Agored Cymru yn cynnig dros 220 o gymwysterau ôl-16?

Rydym yn arloesi’n barhaus i ddiwallu anghenion newidiol addysg Gymraeg, gan sicrhau bod ein cymwysterau’n parhau’n berthnasol a gwerthfawr. Archwiliwch ffyrdd newydd o weithio gyda ni a darganfyddwch fanteision ein harlwy o gymwysterau amrywiol.

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