WJEC publishes final specifications for reformed GCSEs
Approved specifications for Wave 1 GCSEs being taught in schools from September next year have been published by WJEC.
Following approval from our regulatory team, the awarding body for GCSEs, WJEC, has today (Monday 30 September) published the final subject specifications for the reformed GCSEs being taught in schools for the first time from September 2025.
This is a landmark moment on the journey of National Qualifications reform to the qualifications available to 14 to 16-year-olds.
The GCSEs being introduced next year (known as the Wave 1 GCSEs) are the first of the new qualifications from the National 14-16 Qualifications suite to be launched.
The Wave 1 GCSEs include compulsory subjects, such as the new combined literature and language GCSE in English, the new Cymraeg GCSE qualifications and the new double award in mathematics and numeracy, as well as other subjects from across the Curriculum for Wales’ six Areas of Learning and Experience.
Schools and colleges can now access these specifications and continue their planning and preparation for teaching.
- GCSE Art and Design
- GCSE Business
- GCSE Computer Science
- GCSE Core Cymraeg
- GCSE Cymraeg Language and Literature (Single and Double Award*)
- GCSE Drama
- GCSE English Language and Literature (Single and Double Award*)
- GCSE Food and Nutrition
- GCSE French
- GCSE Geography
- GCSE German
- GCSE History
- GCSE Mathematics and Numeracy (Double Award)
- GCSE Music
- GCSE Spanish
- GCSE Religious Studies (draft version)
- Level 2 Additional Core Cymraeg
*The Double Award will be the most appropriate programme of study for the majority of learners, as recommended by the Welsh Government guidance
Cassy Taylor, Director of Qualifications Policy and Reform at Qualifications Wales, said:
“We’re delighted to see this first wave of new specifications be made available to schools and colleges.
“This is a huge moment for everyone who has been involved in reforming these qualifications, from the team here at Qualifications Wales and our colleagues within the Welsh Government and WJEC, to those teachers, learners and subject experts who helped shape the direction these new GCSEs have taken. We’ve been on this journey since the new Curriculum for Wales was announced back in 2015, so it’s great to see all that hard work come to fruition.
“This is a pivotal moment for teachers in Wales, who can now begin their preparations for teaching in earnest.”
Getting ready to teach the new specifications
As the provider of these new qualifications, WJEC will be delivering a tailored schedule of online and face-to-face Professional Learning opportunities. These free nationwide courses are available to centres across Wales.
Alongside the Professional Learning opportunities, WJEC will also be producing a package of free adaptable digital resources that will be available from the end of the autumn term.
Teachers can register for these events on WJEC’s website.
Our approvals process
Go behind-the-scenes and find out how our regulatory team signs off all new awarding body specifications in this blog from Alexis de Vere, our Head of Approval and Designation.