No exams for GCSE, A-level and AS-level students next year

GCSE, A-level and AS-level students will not face exams next year, Wales’ Education Minister has confirmed.

Instead of end-of-year exams, students will be awarded their grades based on “teacher managed” assessments.

These will be externally set and marked, but delivered in the classroom. The aim is provide consistency across Wales.

In a statement confirming the policy, Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: “The wellbeing of learners and ensuring fairness across the system is central in our decision making process.

“In line with the recommendations of both Qualifications Wales and the Independent Review, there will be no exams for GCSE or AS level learners next year. A-level students will also not be required to sit exams.

“We remain optimistic that the public heath situation will improve, but the primary reason for my decision is down to fairness; the time learners will spend in schools and colleges will vary hugely and, in this situation, it is impossible to guarantee a level playing field for exams to take place.

“We have consulted with universities across the UK and they have confirmed that they are used to accepting many different types of qualifications.”

She added: “Cancelling exams provides time for teaching and learning to continue throughout the summer term, to build the knowledge, skills and confidence in our learners to progress in whatever they decide to do next.”

The Welsh Government said teachers would have “flexibility” when the assessments happen – albeit “in the context of results timelines”.

Ms Williams said work to develop the assessments will be completed by the end of the autumn term ready for January.

“The first assessment activities will not commence until the latter half of the spring term,” she said.

Caerphilly Senedd Member Hefin David welcomed the news and said: “It’s good to see that lessons are being learned from this year.

“This is a sensible way to give students a fair chance, during what is a difficult time for those in education.”

Plaid Cymru’s shadow education minister, Sian Gwenllian, said: “With so much disruption to the current educational year already, cancelling all end of year exams is the right decision for the young people of Wales, and will go some way in relieving anxiety.”

Welsh Conservative shadow education minister, Suzy Davies, said: “It’s a shame that A-level students won’t get a chance to sit at least one exam. 

“This will be second year where sixth formers and college students won’t have the experience of sitting exams when they will be competing for university places with others who have.”