Warming up for the new GCSE in physical education and health – coming in September 2026
Tom Croke, Qualifications Manager, considers the flexibility of the new physical education and health GCSE and what teachers and learners can expect from the new qualification.
GCSE Physical Education and Health is an engaging, relevant and inclusive qualification designed to support young people in developing positive lifelong habits that contribute to their physical and mental health and wellbeing. Through a broad range of sports and physical activities, the qualification encourages learners to explore personal development in ways that align with their interests and needs.
This GCSE has been carefully developed to support a wide range of learners, including those with varying levels of ability in competitive sport. While practical performance in a competitive context is a required component of the qualification, it also places a strong emphasis on developing knowledge and understanding of physical activity, health, and wellbeing. By focusing on accessibility and inclusion, the qualification ensures that every learner has the opportunity to thrive and build lifelong habits for healthy living.
This new qualification will be available for first teaching from September 2026.
What is changing in the new GCSE?
Broader focus on health and wellbeing
One of the most visible changes is the title of the qualification, which now explicitly includes ‘health’. This reflects a broader and more integrated approach to physical education, one that recognises the importance of health and wellbeing as part of a learner’s overall development. In line with the Curriculum for Wales, the new GCSE places greater emphasis on understanding how physical activity contributes to lifelong health.
This shift ensures that the qualification not only supports learners who thrive in competitive sport, but also those who are motivated by personal fitness, wellbeing, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Revised NEA requirements and an online examination
The new qualification places greater emphasis on non-examination assessment, which accounts for 60% of the overall grade. This change highlights the importance of active participation and enables learners to demonstrate their performance and understanding through engagement in their choice of sport and/or physical activity.
Learners will now be assessed in up to two sports or physical activities, with the added flexibility to select coaching as one of their options; a new and widely requested feature. Learners will also plan, implement, and evaluate a personal training activity.
A new digital-only exam, targeting knowledge and understanding of the principles of physical education and health, makes up the remaining 40% of assessment. On-screen assessment offers a more accessible and engaging approach, with learners responding directly to recordings of performances.
Updated list of sports and physical activities
To support a more inclusive approach, the approved list of sports and physical activities has been reviewed and updated. The new list includes a wider variety of options, including boccia, figure skating, kickboxing, BMX racing and skateboarding, reflecting current participation trends and ensuring relevance to learners from diverse backgrounds. This expansion enables learners to choose activities that align with their personal interests and strengths.
Together, these changes support a more balanced and inclusive qualification that aligns with the principles of the Curriculum for Wales and meets the needs of a wider range of learners.
Supporting centres through change
Over the coming year, WJEC will be rolling out a programme of professional learning and resources to support the delivery of this qualification, including:
- a specification walk-through
- live, online qualification briefing
- face-to-face ‘Preparing to Teach’ events
- assessment walk-throughs
Further information can be found on WJEC’s website.