VCSEs are level 1 and level 2 vocational 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.
VCSEs are a new style of vocational qualification unique to Wales. They are one of four qualification types available as part of the National Qualifications suite for 14 to 16-year-olds.
They will be first taught in schools and colleges from September 2027.
Designed specifically with the needs of learners in Wales in mind, VCSEs offer an insight into employment sectors and career opportunities through a practical approach to learning and assessment.
Some learners may take VCSEs within their own school, while others may take them at their local college instead. They can be taken alongside GCSE, Foundation and Skills Suite qualifications.
These qualifications will be delivered by one or more of the following awarding bodies, subject to specification approval:
VCSEs span level 1 and level 2 of the Credit and Qualifications Framework, the same as GCSEs.
Learners can choose from the following 15 VCSE subjects based on their interests, strengths and aspirations, depending on what is offered at their school.
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 VCSEs 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 an introduction to an employment sector, VCSEs:
The grading structure for VCSEs is:
Learners who are not ready to take a VCSE qualification can study any of the 15 VCSE subjects as Foundation qualifications, with the exception of performing arts where there will be a Foundation qualification in expressive arts instead. Foundation qualifications are available at entry level and level 1.
Following completion of their VCSE qualifications, learners may progress to post-16 vocational study at school, further education institutions or as part of work-based learning as a trainee or apprentice, for example. Some may progress directly into employment.
Learners who take a combination of VCSE, GCSE and other vocational qualifications may also progress to AS and A level study.
Sample assessment materials are available from each awarding body.
Awarding bodies often provide teaching resources to support the delivery of their qualifications, including curriculum planning materials, worksheets and other guidance. They also often offer professional learning through both online and face-to-face training opportunities.
Additional resources and training will be available from Adnodd and Dysgu in due course.
Discover the range of National Qualifications available for learners aged 14 to 16, including GCSEs, Foundation qualifications and the Skills Suite. These qualifications can be combined with VCSEs to support different learning pathways.
For further background, take a look at our project timeline, which outlines the research, consultation activity and key decisions that have shaped the development of these qualifications.
