WJEC publishes final specifications for second wave of new qualifications
Approved specifications for 10 GCSEs and one Level 2 qualification are now available via WJEC’s website, one year ahead of first teaching in September 2026.
Following approval from our regulatory team, the awarding body for GCSEs, WJEC, has today (Tuesday 30 September) published final subject specifications, enabling educators across Wales to continue their preparation for first teaching next year.
This is the second of three waves of implementation of the National Qualifications.
Qualifications in this wave include a brand new GCSE in dance, as well as history, social studies and the new single and double award science GCSEs.
Existing specifications in biology, chemistry and physics will continue to be available alongside the new double and single awards in science. You can read more about this decision here.
Access the new specifications
- GCSE Dance
- GCSE Design and Technology
- GCSE Digital Media and Film
- GCSE Digital Technology
- GCSE Health and Social Care, and Childcare
- GCSE History
- GCSE Integrated Science (Single Award)
- GCSE Physical Education and Health
- GCSE Social Studies
- GCSE The Sciences (Double Award)
- Level 2 Award in Additional Mathematics
Professional learning support for teachers
WJEC will be delivering a tailored schedule of online and face-to-face professional learning opportunities to help teachers prepare for first teaching. These free nationwide courses are available to centres across Wales.
Alongside the professional learning opportunities, WJEC will continue to produce digital resources to support the delivery of each of the new qualifications.
Teachers can register for these events on WJEC’s website.