This includes providing early implementation support for the first wave of National GCSEs, implementing our change management programme of work for the second wave GCSEs alongside our key partners, and approving the new final wave of qualifications.

We will publish approval criteria for new GCSE qualifications in English and Cymraeg designed specifically for use in post-16 settings.

We will commence evaluation of the National 14–16 Qualification reforms. We will continue to work with WJEC to ensure that A and AS levels build on the new made-for-Wales GCSEs. 

In relation to our reform of Essential Skills Wales qualifications, we will launch our consultation and publish our decisions report and findings. We will then publish approval criteria and launch the approvals process.

We will complete the recommendations identified in our sector review in hair and beauty. We will also continue to work on our post-16 reforms, which includes securing land-based qualifications and the reforms to hospitality and catering, and travel and tourism qualifications. We will also consider the potential impacts of policy changes in England and provide advice to Welsh Government.

We will review our regulatory strategy, to ensure that it is fit for the future. This will incorporate our newly updated regulatory approach.

We will continue our core regulatory activities including overseeing the 2025-26 examinations and assessments series, as well as exams taken in November 2026.

We will continue with core corporate activities, including embedding our wellbeing objectives and sustainable ways of working in all aspects of our work.

We will consider how maintain our focus on organisational efficiency and effectiveness, given the likely constraints on public sector finance and our funding.