Change Charter for the introduction of new GCSEs in Wales
Over the coming years, young people in Wales will be selecting from a range of exciting new National Qualifications when making their choices for Year 10. This comprehensive and inclusive range of qualifications comprises GCSEs, VCSEs, Foundation qualifications and the Skills Suite. This article outlines our shared commitment to supporting the implementation of the new GCSEs.
This Change Charter reflects the shared commitment of the Welsh Government, Qualifications Wales, WJEC, and Adnodd to supporting the successful delivery of new GCSEs in Wales. Together, we are dedicated to ensuring a smooth and effective transition for schools as they prepare to deliver the new GCSEs from September 2025 and 2026.
Commitment to partnership
Our four organisations will work in close partnership with each other and with other key stakeholders across the education sector in Wales. This collaboration is vital to ensure that school leaders have confidence in choosing and scheduling the new qualifications and that teachers are well prepared to deliver them to their students.
Roles and responsibilities
Qualifications Wales
As the national body responsible for the effectiveness of the qualifications system, Qualifications Wales coordinates the relevant activities of the four organisations.
It is Qualifications Wales’ role to ensure that qualifications, and the Welsh qualification system, are effective for meeting the reasonable needs of learners in Wales and to promote public confidence in qualifications and in the Welsh qualification system.
Qualifications Wales has developed requirements for the new made-for-Wales GCSEs, which support the aims and purposes of the Curriculum for Wales. Qualifications Wales approves the new made-for-Wales GCSEs against these requirements. During the period of change, there is particular focus on understanding and mitigating any impacts on manageability for centres.
Qualifications Wales will provide clear and consistent communications to all stakeholders regarding the range of new GCSEs, the rationale behind the changes, and the anticipated benefits for learners.
WJEC
WJEC is responsible for the development and delivery of the new made-for-Wales GCSEs and related qualifications. It is WJEC’s role to ensure the qualifications meet the subject-specific requirements and approval criteria as set by Qualifications Wales.
Throughout the process WJEC will engage with a broad range of stakeholders, including teachers, school and college leaders, unions and sector experts, to co-construct qualifications that meet the needs of learners and support the ambitions and expectations of the Curriculum for Wales.
WJEC will develop a comprehensive package of support to ensure teachers feel confident to deliver the new qualifications. This will include sample assessment materials, and guidance for teaching for every subject.
WJEC will also provide a nationwide package of online and face-to-face professional learning opportunities. WJEC will develop a bespoke suite of more than 130 free digital resources packages, which will include knowledge organisers and adaptable blended learning resources, which can be tailored to meet the needs of classrooms across Wales.
WJEC will be available to provide support and guidance to teachers every step of the way.
Welsh Government
Welsh Government sets education policy and oversees the implementation of Curriculum for Wales, providing strategic oversight of the relationship between qualifications and the Curriculum for Wales. To support schools in designing and implementing a curriculum for learners in Years 10 and 11, while also preparing for new qualifications, Welsh Government has published statutory guidance on 14 to 16 learning.
Welsh Government provides funding to WJEC and Adnodd to support the development and delivery of professional learning and resources for new GCSEs.
Welsh Government is responsible for ensuring that schools have sufficient support to implement the Curriculum for Wales effectively, including the new qualifications.
Welsh Government, in collaboration with local authorities, is responsible for developing and implementing a strategic and sustainable approach to embed digital services in all maintained schools to underpin the delivery of the Curriculum for Wales and qualifications.
To support the increase in digital assessment within new GCSEs, Welsh Government will work with key partners (including Qualifications Wales and WJEC) to support local authorities to ensure schools have adequate digital infrastructure and services in place for the delivery of digital assessments - and where appropriate support national solutions, via Hwb, to help deliver digital assessments.
Adnodd
Adnodd is the new body responsible for coordinating and commissioning bilingual educational resources to support the Curriculum for Wales.
Adnodd will target its commissioning activity to make sure the resources that teachers and learners need to successfully tackle these new qualifications are in place - in Cymraeg and English - before new courses begin.
As the new qualifications bed in, Adnodd will actively listen to and involve teachers and learners in its work. In doing so, it will continuously assess the need for additional resources that could further enhance learners’ experiences of these new GCSEs and the Curriculum for Wales.
Commitment to schools and teachers
Together, we are committed to supporting schools and teachers through this significant change. We pledge to work collaboratively to provide the necessary guidance, resources, and professional development opportunities to ensure the successful implementation of the new GCSEs. Our shared goal is to foster an environment where school leaders and educators feel confident and equipped to deliver high-quality education that meets the needs of all learners.
In conclusion, this Change Charter represents our collective commitment to the future of education in Wales. We are confident that, through our joint efforts, we will achieve a successful transition to the new GCSEs, ultimately benefiting learners and enhancing the educational landscape of Wales.
Signed,
Philip Blaker, Chief Executive, Qualifications Wales
Ian Morgan, Chief Executive, WJEC
Emyr George, Chief Executive, Adnodd
Welsh Government