Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
The equivalent of an A level, this Level 3 qualification allows learners to develop their skills further, enabling them to become responsible, active citizens, ready for future study or employment.
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales enables learners to develop and apply skills in relevant contexts in preparation for employment, lifelong learning and active citizenship.
The qualification develops the four integral skills outlined in the Curriculum for Wales:
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- critical thinking and problem-solving
- creativity and innovation
- planning and organising
- personal effectiveness
This is a Level 3 qualification primarily taken by learners aged 16-19 who are following Level 3 programmes of study, such as A levels.
Qualification content
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales provides a real-life, authentic learning experience. There is an emphasis on learning inside and outside of the classroom, as well as a focus on developing independent learning.
Learners are encouraged to exercise autonomy and choose areas of study which are of personal interest and linked to their future studies and careers. Learners are not assessed directly on their knowledge of these areas of study, but on their application of the four integral skills. The qualification also provides opportunities for learners to develop their literacy, numeracy and digital competence skills.
The qualification is divided into three mandatory components:
| Component | Description | Weighting |
| Component 1: Global Community Project | Learners will develop and demonstrate application of the integral skills whilst considering complex global issues and participating in community activities (approximately 15 hours) to promote citizenship in a sustainable world and Wales. | 25% |
| Component 2: Future Destinations Project | Learners will develop and demonstrate application of the integral skills whilst exploring future destination goals for life, employability and citizenship in a sustainable world and Wales. | 25% |
| Component 3: Individual Project | Learners will develop and demonstrate application of the integral skills whilst planning, managing and conducting an independent research project (extended written project or artefact). | 50% |
Qualification grading
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is graded A* - E.
Learners are not required to pass each component to achieve a qualification grade and are permitted one resit per component.
Qualification progression
Learners will be able to progress to the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales from qualifications assessing the four integral skills at Level 2. This is currently the Skills Challenge Certificate.
From September 2027, the Skills Challenge Certificate will be replaced by the National Qualifications Skills Suite, which comprises Skills for Life, Skills for Work, Skills for Life and Work, and the Personal Project.
Progression to university study
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales carries the same UCAS points as an A level and is recognised by universities across the UK and globally as an A level equivalent.
The qualification is an accepted entrance requirement at universities attended by the majority of students in Wales.
Qualification documentation
As the regulator for this qualification, we are responsible for ensuring the specification and supporting documentation development by the awarding body meet our expectations for rigour and value.
To do this, we have set criterion which these materials must meet before they can be approved for delivery in schools and colleges.
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales approval criteriaDeveloping the current qualification
You can find all the relevant documentation regarding our consultation on this qualification here:
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- consultation proposals
- consultation findings
- consultation decisions report
- summary of the consultation decisions report
Awarding body documentation
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is delivered by WJEC, which developed the qualification in collaboration with stakeholders.
You can find all the relevant supporting documents on the awarding body’s website, including the specification, supporting resources, and upcoming and on-demand professional learning for teachers.
Visit WJEC's website