Our Annual Report 2023-2024

Looking back on the last academic year, our achievements and activities

We have launched our annual report for the 2023-2024 academic year.

This report provides an outline of delivery and developments over the twelve-month period from the beginning of September 2023 to the end August 2024. This year has been significant for us at Qualifications Wales in many ways. It has seen the return to pre-pandemic assessment arrangements with outcomes broadly in line with 2019 levels. A hugely important step, bringing Wales in sync with other UK jurisdictions.

Some highlights of the year within the annual report include:

how we took the final step in the transition back to pre-pandemic arrangements
the creation of the made-for-Wales suite of National Qualifications for 14 to 16-year-olds, including VCSEs, Skills Suite, Foundation qualifications and GCSEs
the approach to designating other qualifications to sit alongside National 14-16 Qualifications
developments in post-16 vocational qualifications
the review of Essential Skills Wales qualifications
being listed under the Well-being of Future Generations Act

Qualifications Wales’ Chair, David Jones OBE DL, said:
"I am very pleased to present our annual report for 2023-2024. The past year has been marked by significant achievements and progress in our mission to ensure that qualifications in Wales are valued and trusted. Our focus is on learners, and I congratulate all of them for their achievements across general and vocational qualifications.

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks, in recognition of their hard work and dedication, to all our staff and board members, alongside all our partners across the education system in Wales. Working together, we are shaping a brighter future for education in Wales."

Qualifications Wales’ Chief Executive, Philip Blaker, said:
“This report shows how learners are at the heart of everything we do. It underscores our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in qualifications and assessments, ensuring they meet the needs of learners and preparing them for further learning, life and work.

“We continue to work closely with a wide and growing range of key partners as part of our regulation and reform activities. I’d like to thank them for their collaboration.

I would also like to thank my colleagues at Qualifications Wales for their continued efforts to make sure qualifications are a fair, trusted, valued and portable record of learners’ knowledge and skills.”