Introduction

Parental support has a positive impact on young people’s performance in exams and assessments. Understanding the qualifications system is an important part of helping you to provide them with support.  

If you haven't heard of Qualifications Wales before, we work closely with Welsh Government and others, to make sure that qualifications meet the needs of learners and promote confidence in the qualifications system.

We regulate awarding bodies who develop and deliver the following qualifications in Wales:

Qualifications levels

Qualifications Wales regulates all qualifications in Wales other than degrees. It's important for you to know what level a qualification is, so that you can understand how it can help your child with their next steps into work, or further study.

Across the UK, most qualifications taken at school, further education college, work or university fit into one of nine levels (12 in Scotland). The higher the level, the harder the qualification. Qualifications at the same level can be very different in terms of content and the length of time they take to complete.

The Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales provides a common currency for learning achievement for learners in Wales, of all ages and abilities. There are similar frameworks in each of the UK nations.

CQFW Framework graphic

Exams and assessments 2022-23

During 2022-23 the journey back to pre-pandemic qualification arrangements continued. 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 were 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.   

Guide to exams and assessments

Preparing for exams and assessments can be a busy time, and you may have questions about the arrangements for your child's qualifications this year.

That’s why we’ve created an updated guide to exams and assessments for qualifications in 2022/2023

Power Up

Qualifications Wales works with Welsh Government and other partners to share information, tips and support for learners preparing for their exams and assessments. The Power Up website is there to support your child to get them through the 2022/23 exam and assessment season and onto the next level in their life.

Exams 360

We’re often asked questions 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.

Made-for Wales GCSEs

We have been working on a new set of Made-for-Wales GCSEs and other qualifications that will realise the ambition of the Curriculum for Wales and meet the needs of learners. We have been consulting on a full set of design proposals for all subjects that will be available from 2025. 

The views of current parents, carers and learners - of all ages - is a hugely important part of these changes. In preparation for the consultation, we ran a series of workshops and spoke to learners across the country – find out more in our Learner Voice Report.

Learner groups

Encourage your child to join one of our learner groups.

A key area of our work is shaping qualifications that fit the needs of the future. To help us do this, we’ve established two learner groups, so we can hear their views on our work. 

The members of both groups are an inspiring group of people with a diverse and broad range of experiences, and as some leave education this year, we are looking for new learners to join the groups. 

Joining one of our learner groups is a terrific opportunity for your child to gain confidence, have their say on qualifications in Wales, and provide them with valuable experience to support them as they take the next steps on their learning or work journey.