New The Sciences GCSE to be introduced from 2026
The main science qualification for learners aged 14-16 - will now be introduced for first teaching from September 2026
National Qualifications are being introduced in three phases from 2025 to 2027. The new GCSE The Sciences (Double Award) qualification – the main science qualification for learners aged 14-16 will now be introduced for first teaching from September 2026, rather than September 2025 as originally intended. The specification will be published in September 2025, one year ahead of first teaching in September 2026.
Designing any new qualification is complex, and during the development process, we’ve recognised that further work is needed to ensure GCSE The Sciences fully meets the future needs of learners. We will be using this additional time to refine the design of the qualification, including achieving a better spread of assessment across Years 10 and 11. We will also be removing the separate interdisciplinary unit, “Bringing the Sciences Together”, and introducing synoptic elements to each of the assessments in year 11 requiring learners to explore connections between topics within each individual science discipline.
This timetable change means that both the GCSE The Sciences (Double Award) and the new GCSE Integrated Science (Single Award) will now begin first teaching at the same time, in September 2026. This will better support school-based decisions on which science qualification is most appropriate for individual learners.
Centres will continue to be able to offer the current range of science GCSEs for learners starting their studies in September 2025. These qualifications will then be replaced by the new GCSE The Sciences (Double Award) and the new GCSE Integrated Science (Single Award) for learners starting their GCSE courses in September 2026.
Cassy Taylor, Director - Qualifications Policy and Reform, Qualifications Wales said:
“We acknowledge that rescheduling the new GCSE The Sciences is unexpected but developing any new qualification is a complex process, with many competing requirements. During the development process, we’ve recognised that some additional time needs to be taken to ensure that the new GCSE The Sciences (Double Award) fully meets the needs of learners in Wales. We have also continued to directly engage with our key stakeholders, including the Learned Societies for the sciences.
We will be using this additional time to further refine the qualification, including looking at how to better spread assessment across Years 10 and 11, rather than having the majority of assessment just in Year 11. Our key priority here is ensuring that the new GCSE The Sciences is high quality and provides learners with an engaging and challenging learning experience.”
Trystan Edwards, Headteacher, Ysgol Garth Olwg, Church Village, said:
“As a Headteacher, I support Qualifications Wales’ decision to move the introduction of the new GCSE The Sciences (Double Award) from 2025 to 2026. My view is that as it has become apparent that additional time is required to refine this new qualification, then it is sensible to take that time. The driving force here is ensuring that we end up with qualifications that meet the needs of learners, and those who’ll be teaching these subjects in the classroom. It is wise to take the time now to ensure that these qualifications won't need to be reviewed again in the near future.”
Chris Parry, Headteacher, Lewis School, Pengam, said:
“I know how much work has gone into the design of this new science qualification already. It’s become clear to Qualifications Wales that the best course of action is to take more time to work on its development. I think that revising the implementation timetable now to drill down even more on the detail - especially looking at ways to spread assessment across both GCSE years, rather than most falling in Year 11 - puts learner wellbeing at the heart of these plans. It makes sense to make the time change now so we end up with the best possible qualification for our young people.”
Marianne Cutler, Director of Policy and Curriculum Innovation, Association for Science Education (ASE), said:
“We welcome the decision by Qualifications Wales to introduce a new GCSE The Sciences (Double Award) from September 2026 with the expectation that the vast majority of learners will study this. This supports our long-held position that a single route at GCSE, which combines the best features of both combined (double) and separate (triple) science study, enables equity of access by learners and supports better deployment of specialist science teachers.
We value working closely with Qualifications Wales in shaping the criteria for the new GCSE The Sciences, and look forward to supporting WJEC in the development of the specification over the coming months. This is a real opportunity for GCSE The Sciences to reflect contemporary science and innovation, and engage all young people, regardless of their background.”
Lauren MᶜLeod, Head of Education Policy at the Royal Society of Biology, said:
“Postponement of GCSE The Sciences will support further development to ensure the content, pacing and assessment of the new GCSE is appropriate for learners. RSB is confident that The Sciences GCSE is the best route to prepare all learners in Wales for study, life and work regardless of their destination post-16.”
For more on the new qualifications visit our National 14-16 Qualifications hub - National 14-16 Qualifications | Have your say - Qualifications Wales