Exams will go ahead next summer, Qualifications Wales confirms

GCSE, AS and A-Level pupils are set to sit exams next summer, Qualifications Wales has announced.

Exams were cancelled during the coronavirus pandemic, with pupils instead receiving teacher-assessed grades.

But Qualifications Wales has now confirmed exams will continue once again – but teacher-assessed grades could still come into play if the coronavirus situation was to change.

In England, it has already been confirmed that exams will return next summer.

Philip Blaker, Chief Executive of Qualifications Wales, said: “Next year we will see a return to normal assessments which provide a fair and consistent approach for learners. 

“We have considered the fairest way to award grades, taking views from stakeholders across Wales and working with other qualifications regulators across the UK. Our approach will align with that taken in England.”

Mr Blaker said the return of normal assessments will provide a “level playing field” for Welsh pupils, particularly those applying for universities in other parts of the UK.

He added: “These are uncertain times and if circumstances change, and the exam series is cancelled, we are putting contingency plans in place that will allow schools and colleges to award grades in an approach based upon that used in summer 2021.

“We will work with WJEC to inform schools and colleges of these plans so everyone is clear what needs to be done.

“We know that learners may be anxious and have concerns about the return to exams, which is why we are planning a range of communications to support them.”