Essential Skills Wales Review

The aim of the review was to gather evidence from our key stakeholders and receive feedback on how fit for purpose the Essential Skills Wales qualifications are. The aim was also to identify any issues or suggestions arising from the feedback and evidence, and to consider what changes or reforms may be required to ensure Essential Skills qualifications continue to meet our principle aims.  

Essential Skills qualifications are an integral part of post-16 learning and apprenticeship programmes in Wales and we are keen to ensure they remain valued and worthwhile qualifications. Find out more on Essential Skills Wales qualifications.  

For further information please contact EssentialSkillsWales@Qualifications.wales  

The report of the in-depth review was published on 18 September 2024. During the two-year review, the Qualifications Wales team carried out extensive research and spoke to learners, providers, and employers – and the majority wanted reform. They gave feedback about the currency and manageability of the qualifications and their assessments. 

Read it here.

We have already taken steps to address specific issues within the constraints of the existing qualifications. Please read the report to see details of the actions we have already taken. 

We have also developed a longer-term action plan which outlines what we intend to do to address more fully the issues identified by the review. We are now planning to reform three of the four Essential Skills Wales subject areas:  

Reformed qualifications will be available to centres from 2028.