Our role

Qualifications Wales regulates all non‑degree qualifications in Wales.  

We make sure qualifications: 

  • meet the needs of learners
  • are high quality
  • are awarded fairly
  • are valued by schools, colleges, universities and employers 

We regulate the awarding bodies that design and deliver qualifications such as:  

  • GCSEs
  • AS and A levels
  • vocational qualifications
  • the Skills Challenge Certificate
  • the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
  • foundation qualifications
  • VCSEs (Vocational Certificate of Secondary Education)
  • the Skills Suite 

Learners are at the heart of what we do - we want them to be confident that their qualifications are awarded fairly and provide a valued record of their knowledge and skills. 

Reforming qualifications 

As well as regulating qualifications, we also design many of the qualifications taken in Wales.  

Qualifications for 14 to 16‑year‑olds are changing to reflect the Curriculum for Wales. New National Qualifications are being introduced in stages: 

  • From September 2025 – first teaching of the new GCSEs 
  • From September 2026 – introduction of more new GCSEs
  • From September 2027 – introduction of new VCSEs, Foundation qualifications and Skills Suite qualifications will be introduced 

The aim is to provide qualifications that match what young people learn and support their next steps. 

 

Exams and assessments

Our Exams and Assessments section explains all the arrangements for this academic year, including key dates and guidance.

Guide to exams and assessments

Our guide to exams and assessments explains how qualifications are assessed, how grades are set, shared important dates, plus help and support.

Power Up

You'll also find revision and wellbeing advice on the Power Up hub. 

Exams 360

Find out how the exam system works, including who writes exam papers and how grade boundaries are set: Exams 360

Summer 2025 results

Visit our summer 2025 results section to learn about last year's outcomes. 

 

Get involved

Learner ambassadors

We work closely with learners to help shape the qualifications system. 

In 2021, we set up our first panel for learner ambassadors to hear their views and embed them in our work. 

Learner ambassadors: 

  • share their experiences 
  • help us understand what they need from us and the wider education sector 
  • help us improve qualifications 
  • gain skills and confidence for their next steps 

Find out more about how you can join our learner panel.  

Parents and carers forum

We want to hear from parents and carers from across Wales, to understand their experience of qualifications. Our parent and carer forum offers opportunities to share your views on: 

  • new qualifications 
  • qualification choices 
  • pupil wellbeing 
  • additional learning needs 
  • exams and assessments 

Find out more and register your interest in joining our Parent and Carer forum. 

 

Qualifications available in Wales

Qualifications for 14 to 16-year-olds

New National Qualifications are being introduced between September 2025 and September 2027. National Qualifications comprise:

  • GCSEs 
  • VCSEs 
  • Foundation qualifications 
  • Skills Suite 

Qualifications for post-16 learners 

Qualifications levels 

Most qualifications in the UK fit into nine levels (12 in Scotland). The higher the level, the more advanced the qualification. Two qualifications at the same level can vary in size and content. 

The Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales explains how qualifications fit together. 

Learner Journeys 

If you’re looking into which qualifications you want to take in a particular area, or are supporting someone who is, learner journeys are here to help.   

They’re one-page documents that show all the different qualification options and pathways available in each sector. Available to support learners and parents as they research their options in a vocational area.