Our Annual Report 2025

Qualifications Wales has today published its latest annual report, marking a decade since its establishment and reflecting on a year of significant progress in shaping qualifications for learners in Wales. 

The report, which looks back at the 2024-25 academic year, highlights the successful introduction of the first new GCSEs designed for the Curriculum for Wales, with further qualifications approved for rollout next year and beyond. These changes represent the most comprehensive reform of pre-16 qualifications ever undertaken in Wales, ensuring learners have a coherent and inclusive choice of qualifications that are fully aligned to the curriculum. 

Qualifications Wales’ Chief Executive, Philip Blaker, said:
“Our work to design and introduce a new suite of made-for-Wales National Qualifications for 14 to 16-year-olds has continued at pace and has been a major focus over the past year. 

“These qualifications are the result of extensive collaboration with learners, subject experts and teachers, and will give young people the tools they need to succeed in life, learning and work.” 

Alongside pre-16 reforms, the organisation has worked with colleges and awarding bodies to secure a sustainable range of post-16 qualifications in key sectors such as land-based industries, travel and tourism, and hospitality and catering. This extends the availability of bilingual qualifications tailored to Welsh learners’ needs. 

Qualifications Wales’ Chair, Paul Bevan said:
“Together, these developments reflect our commitment to ensuring qualifications remain relevant, rigorous and responsive to the needs of learners and employers. 

“We are proud of the partnerships that have enabled these changes and grateful to all who have contributed to this important work.” 

The report also confirms a smooth return to pre-pandemic arrangements for GCSE, AS and A level awarding, with outcomes broadly consistent with previous years –maintaining public confidence in the integrity of the qualifications system. 

Looking ahead into 2026, Qualifications Wales will take the final steps towards securing the full range of National 14–16 Qualifications and monitor the impact of recently announced curriculum and assessment reforms in England, on learners in Wales. 

Qualifications Wales' Annual Report 2025 is available on our website and includes detailed insights into engagement, regulatory activity, and future priorities.