National 14-16 Qualifications recognition criteria published today

Qualifications Wales has today published its decisions on recognition criteria for awarding bodies developing new National 14-16 Qualifications, following a public consultation.

The purpose of the criteria is to ensure that organisations developing the new qualifications, which will be available from 2027, have the necessary resources and procedures in place to do so.

The new suite of qualifications will include:

VCSEs
Foundation qualifications (in general and work-related subjects)
the Skills Suite, comprising Skills for Life, Skills for Work, and the Personal Project

These will be taught alongside GCSEs as part of Wales' reformed qualifications for 14 to 16-year-olds.

The criteria were developed following engagement with stakeholders and a formal consultation between 14 October and 22 November 2024.

Alongside publishing its decisions, Qualifications Wales has also published the final version of the recognition criteria and supporting guidance.

Awarding bodies interested in developing these new qualifications should confirm their intention to apply for recognition by email to vqmonitoring@qualifications.wales. After which, a meeting with Qualifications Wales will be arranged to discuss the process in more detail.