Digital assessments in humanities GCSEs

Digital assessments are being introduced in a range of National GCSEs to enhance the validity of assessment in relevant subjects, and to promote learners’ engagement in their assessments. These digital assessments are being introduced in a phased way until summer 2031, beginning with one new digital assessment in summer 2026. Qualifications Wales is working collaboratively with the Welsh Government and WJEC, building on its experience of offering digital assessments, to support schools throughout this period. 

However, many centres and local authorities have told us that the current planned timing for introducing digital assessments in GCSEs in geography, social studies, religious studies and business could impact schools' ability to implement them successfully.  

We have therefore agreed that digital assessments in these subjects will be introduced after the initial five-year approval period, meaning that these changes will now begin from 2031, at the earliest. This allows time for all centres to become more confident about the delivery of digital assessments. 

Qualification Wales remains ambitious for the use of digital technology in assessment, and confident about its capacity to enhance the validity of assessments, reflect digitalised approaches to learning and support learners’ progression into further learning and the world of work. We will continue to engage closely with stakeholders to ensure that when these digital assessments are introduced, they will benefit learners and make the best use of centres’ digital resources.  

Philip Blaker, Chief Executive of Qualifications Wales, said:
“Increasing the number of digital assessments in National 14-16 Qualifications will benefit learners by making their assessments more valid and engaging and supporting their future progression. Achieving this over a longer period allows schools and local authorities more time to prepare for a greater range of digital assessments and build confidence in this assessment approach.” 

Ian Morgan, Chief Executive of WJEC, said:
“WJEC has been at the forefront of offering on-screen assessments in high-stakes qualifications for more than a decade. This change offers a clear way forward for the scope of on-screen assessment for the first five years of these new GCSEs. We will continue to provide on-screen assessments in a wide range of new GCSEs, offering engaging and authentic assessment experiences for learners.” 

You can find out more about digital assessments in National 14-16 Qualifications on the Qualifications Wales website.