Introduction

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is a Level 3 qualification which supports learners to become effective, responsible, and active citizens ready to take their place in a sustainable global society and in the workplace.

It promotes learning inside and outside of the classroom with learners encouraged to choose areas of study which are of personal interest and linked to their future studies and careers.

There are opportunities for learners to progress from the skills development at the heart of the Curriculum for Wales, and to engage with current and important issues as citizens of Wales and the world.

This new qualification is a direct replacement for the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.

Specification

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is delivered by WJEC, who developed the qualification in line with our approval criteria, and in collaboration with stakeholders.

The qualification began first teaching in September 2023, with first certification due in summer 2025.

Following the approval of the qualification, we worked closely with WJEC as they developed the specification and other key qualification WJEC website.

We encourage you to visit the WJEC site to access the latest developments, supporting documents, resources and training.

Progression

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is an accepted entrance requirement at universities attended by the majority of students in Wales.

The qualification carries the same UCAS points as an A-Level and is recognised by universities across the UK and globally as an A-Level equivalent.

It is graded in the same way as A Levels, using the A* - E scale.

Skills Challenge Certificates

At Foundation and National levels, the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is the same size as a GCSE.

It is a standalone qualification that is graded as follows

  • Foundation level 1 – Pass* and Pass 
  • National level 2 – A to C 

More information about the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales Certificate at National/Foundation level can be found on the WJEC website.

From September 2027, the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales will be replaced by the Skills Suite, which is being introduced as part of the new National Qualifications for 14 to 16-year-olds. 

You can find out more about the Skills Suite here. 

Further information

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

Approval Criteria for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

For key qualification documents, resources and training opportunities

Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales | WJEC

You can also search on QiW for the qualification and click on the Performance and Curriculum Information:

Skills Challenge Certificate qualifications

Specifications, reports, delivery and administrative handbooks

You can also search on QiW for the qualification and click on the Performance and Curriculum Information:

Skills Challenge Certificate - National/Foundation