A blueprint for success: the new GCSE Design and Technology qualification explained
Nathan Evans, Qualifications Manager, deconstructs the new design and technology GCSE coming to schools and colleges in September 2026.
Learning in design and technology supports young people to become curious, capable problem-solvers. It encourages them to explore how products are made, why they work, and how they can be improved. Through hands-on experiences, learners develop a range of practical skills and the confidence to use those skills creatively.
GCSE Design and Technology provides a strong emphasis on tackling and solving challenges. It empowers learners to not only understand modern products and solutions, but to imagine and design better ones. In doing so, learners are supported to develop their collaboration skills and a sense of ownership for the contributions they can make.
At a time when the world is full of both possibility and pressing challenges, from sustainability and resource use to automation, digital transformation, and global wellbeing, there is a growing need for designers who can think ethically, act creatively, and solve problems that matter.
As new materials, technologies and tools continue to reshape the way we live and work, this qualification helps equip learners to engage with those opportunities confidently and thoughtfully.
This new GCSE supports the development of ambitious, capable learners who are enterprising, creative contributors ready to take on challenges, lead change and shape a more sustainable future. It continues to offer pathways in fashion and textiles, engineering design and product design, supporting learner choice.
So how has the qualification changed?
A future-focused qualification
GCSE Design and Technology has always offered learners meaningful opportunities to specialise and engage with practical, creative problem-solving. The new qualification builds on that foundation with refreshed content and a strengthened focus on sustainability, digital tools and authentic application in real-world contexts.
The new GCSE places a strong focus on practical skills. At its core is the iterative design process, which encourages learners to prototype, test, reflect, and refine their ideas. This mirrors common design approaches within industry, enabling learners to think flexibly and critically about their products and approaches. It also helps to develop an appreciation for the importance of not just arriving at a final product, but on understanding the journey that led to it.
Designing with responsibility: sustainability and ethics
Design and technology offers learners the opportunity to approach and understand a range of problems, while also providing them with the skills to respond positively through product-based solutions. Sustainability challenges are often experienced by designers in Wales and internationally, and this qualification supports learners to think critically about this aspect of product design and the product life-cycle.
More widely, learners will develop their knowledge and understanding about new and emerging technologies, smart materials, and energy renewability and storage. When learners identify design opportunities, create prototypes and iterate on them, they will be able to apply this knowledge to demonstrate that they can be thoughtful, responsible designers of the future who contribute positively to a changing world.
The balance of assessment
Assessment has been balanced to reflect the practical, exploratory nature of design. The qualification now includes:
- design project (70%): this non-examination assessment requires learners to respond to contextual challenges and provides an opportunity for learners to design through iteration and create prototypes that solve identified problems
- digital-only examination (30%): this assessment will a wide variety of item types and stimulus material to promote learners’ engagement, allowing learners to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of core and pathway-specific concepts
Support for teachers
To help centres prepare for first teaching, WJEC will provide a suite of bilingual digital resources and professional learning opportunities. These will support effective delivery with the aim of helping teachers feel confident in guiding learners through this exciting new qualification - whatever their background.
You can keep up to date with available training and resources via WJEC’s website.