Foundation qualifications are entry level and level 1 qualifications, usually taken by learners between the ages of 14 and 16. They have been developed to meet the specific needs of learners in Wales.
Foundation qualifications form an integral part of the National Qualifications offer, increasing choice and flexibility for 14 to 16-year-olds in Wales.
They will be first taught in schools and colleges from September 2027.
Available in a range of general and work-related subjects, Foundation qualifications build on the learning and experiences achieved under the Curriculum for Wales. They are designed for those who may not feel ready for GCSE and VCSE study.
These qualifications will be delivered by one or more of the following awarding bodies, subject to specification approval:
Foundation qualifications span entry level and level 1 of the Credit and Qualifications Framework (with the exception of the Cymraeg qualifications).
The suite includes nine general subjects linked to the areas of learning and experience that make up the Curriculum for Wales, as well as 15 work-related subjects.
Learners may take a mix of general and work-related Foundation qualifications, and may also take these qualifications alongside GCSEs, VCSEs and the Skills Suite.
You can access awarding body specifications below (links will be added as soon as specifications are made available).
⁺These qualifications are still in development.
As the development of Foundation qualifications in some subjects is ongoing, a limited number of existing qualifications will continue to remain available for pre-16 learners during this interim period. These are:
Teachers can stay up-to-date with which qualifications are available each academic year for pre-16 learners on QiW.
The details of qualification availability can change over time. Schools are strongly advised to check the status of qualifications for pre-16 learners in QiW when planning their curriculum.
As well as providing learners with a solid background in a range of general and work-related subjects, Foundation qualifications:
The grading structure for Foundation qualifications is:
The exception to this is the grading for Foundation Cymraeg and Foundation Core Cymraeg, which are available at entry level but not level 1.
Foundation qualifications have recognition in their own right, and some learners may choose to study subjects at Foundation alongside their GCSEs and VCSEs at level 1 and level 2.
Others, who may not feel ready to study GCSEs and VCSEs, may choose to initially study Foundation qualifications and progress onto post-16 training or learning.
Sample assessment materials are available from each awarding body delivering Foundation qualifications.
Awarding bodies will often provide additional resources and guidance, such as schemes of work and worksheets, and may also have in-person and online professional learning available for teachers.
Additional resources and training will be available from Adnodd and Dysgu in due course.
The National Qualifications suite includes GCSEs, VCSEs and the Skills Suite which can be taken alongside Foundation qualifications. You can find out more about the full offer of qualifications for 14 to 16-year-olds on the National Qualifications page.
You can also read up on all the research, consultations and decisions relating to the National Qualifications in our timeline of project delivery.
