Introduction

Whether you’re a teacher in a school, lecturer in further education or trainer in a work-based or other learning setting, we’re here to support you and your learners as they endeavour to achieve the qualifications they need to progress.

Exam arrangements 2022-23

This year, the journey back to pre-pandemic qualification arrangements continues. Exams took place again during May and June, and non-examination assessments were also completed in many subjects.

Some changes were made to provide extra support for learners sitting formal exams, in the form of advance information, together with a supportive grading approach.

As the independent regulator of qualifications in Wales, our role involves overseeing WJEC and other awarding bodies as they award learners’ grades. During the pandemic, results were different to previous years. Therefore, we have implemented a slightly different approach this summer as we work towards returning to pre-pandemic arrangements.

For more information, please visit our dedicated exam arrangements 2022-23 section.

Summer 2023 Results

As the independent regulator of qualifications in Wales, one of our key activities is to oversee the awarding of GCSE, AS and A level qualifications, Skills Challenge Certificates and vocational qualifications.  

In this dedicated summer 2023 results section, you will find details of how qualifications are awarded in Wales this year, an overview of the appeals process, plus help and support for learners considering their next steps. On results days, we will also publish our Review of the Summer 2023 Exam Series reports and Summer 2023 Results guides.  

For more information, visit our dedicated Summer 2023 Results section.   

Contingency planning

Given the events of the past few years, we know there is a small chance that alternative arrangements could once again be needed in the future.

Centres should therefore prepare for the possible implementation of contingency arrangements by planning what assessments they will use to inform centre determined grades, should they be needed.

We have published updated guidance on planning for contingencies.

Qualifications in Wales database

Our Qualifications in Wales database (QiW) contains details of all qualifications that are approved or designated for teaching in Wales for learners aged under 19 - excluding higher education.

Information held on QiW includes qualification titles, numbers, start and end dates, awarding body details and further information - such as performance measures and whether the qualification counts as a choice for 14-19 learning pathways.

Power Up

Qualifications Wales works with Welsh Government and other partners on Power Up a nationwide campaign that has hints, tips and information to help get your learners through the 2022-23 exam and assessment season and onto the next level in their lives.

Exams 360 - exam system explained

We’re often asked questions - and we're sure that you are - about the exam system and how it works. Things like, who writes an exam paper and how are exam grades set?

Exams 360 is where you’ll find the answers to those and other common exam related queries that may be asked by your learners.

Made-for-Wales GCSEs

As you may be aware, we have launched a national conversation to give the people of Wales a chance to Have Your Say on future Made-for-Wales GCSEs.

We have been working closely with teachers, subject experts and many others to co-create proposals for the high-level design, content and assessment of a brand-new set of GCSEs.

We want to make sure that these new qualifications will help you and your colleagues to make a success of the Curriculum for Wales and prepare your learners for life, learning and work.

On 28 June we published our decisions after analysing your responses to this consultation. To read the decisions, please visit Made-for-Wales GCSEs.

Higher education

Qualifications Wales maintains regular contact with higher education institutions in Wales and across the UK.

We also collaborate closely with UCAS and others, to make sure that universities are continually updated about any developments relating to qualifications and the qualifications system in Wales.

Get involved

Calling all educators! Are you ready to help shape the future of education in Wales? Are you eager to share your knowledge and expertise?  

Qualifications Wales is looking for knowledgeable and experienced educators to work alongside our Approvals Team to help us approve an exciting new suite of Made-for-Wales qualifications. We need a variety of individuals with a wealth of experience across all subjects within all six areas of learning and experience (AoLE), who have a deep understanding of the Curriculum for Wales and secure knowledge and understanding of educational assessment. 

As a subject expert, you will be collaborating closely with the Qualifications Wales Approvals Team throughout the approvals process and play a supporting role in the review of the new Made-for-Wales qualifications developed by the awarding body. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on qualifications in Wales and gain invaluable experience. 

Applications will be open from mid- September 2023, so, if you are interested in being part of this exciting opportunity, please sign up here to receive an email alert when the applications are open.

We also run regular consultations, surveys, and involvement sessions. Please see our Have Your Say site for more details on how you can get involved.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) describes a process where evidence of a learner’s previous learning and / or achievement is assessed and can be used to exempt the learner from all or part of a qualification.  

The learner needs to show that through knowledge, understanding or skills they already have, they do not need to repeat the course or complete extra assessment activity. An assessor will review whether the evidence is enough to show that a learner has met the assessment requirements for a current qualification or part of a qualification. 

At Qualifications Wales, we recognise that RPL offers many benefits.  

For more information on RPL and our policy, please visit our dedicated Recognition of Prior Learning section.