New ‘VCSE’ vocational qualification unveiled alongside ‘made-for-Wales’ GCSEs

Following a public consultation, Qualifications Wales has published its decisions on the types of qualifications that will be available to 14 to 16 year-olds – alongside new Made-for-Wales GCSEs.

The changes which will shape the qualifications landscape for secondary school learners across the country, will see the introduction of new work-related VCSEs (Vocational Certificate of Secondary Education) as well as new skills-based qualifications.

This will provide all secondary learners with an innovative, exciting, inclusive and challenging new qualifications offer that meets the aims and purposes of the Curriculum for Wales.

By 2027, along with new Made-for-Wales GCSEs, learners in Wales aged 14-16 will be able to choose from:

• VCSEs (Vocational Certificate of Secondary Education)
• Foundation qualifications
• Skills for Life and Skills for Work qualifications
• Personal Project qualification

Cassy Taylor, Director of Qualifications Policy and Reform at Qualifications Wales, commented: “This exciting range of Made-for-Wales qualifications, together with the new GCSEs that are already in development, represents the biggest transformation of 14-16 qualifications in a generation.

“It will mean that all learners, whatever their interest, aptitude or ability, will be able to gain recognition and reward for what they know, understand and can do.

“Armed with these new qualifications, they’ll be able to progress from the Curriculum for Wales to the next stage of learning and form a basis for their own personal success.”

Ben Cottam, Head of Wales for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Developing skills for the future is of the upmost importance for the future workforce and economy in Wales.

“Small businesses consistently raise access to skills as a barrier to growth.

“Our research tells us that closer links between providers, the business community, and teaching institutions, can really benefit learner outcomes, as well as supporting businesses in harnessing the right skills to grow, and thus bolstering local economies.

“It is our hope that the new National 14-6 Qualifications offer will go some way to improve choices for learners. By supplementing the curriculum with real-life experiences and interactions with small businesses within the local community, these qualifications will help learners to progress in life, learning and work.”

Learner Advisory Group member, Poppy, commented: “This range of qualifications is incredible.

“When I think back to the first meetings we were having and what my peers have said about the lack of options and the things that really matter to them, it just feels that we have really been listened to and it’s been put into action, which I really appreciate. Just seeing the development of these qualifications is great and how it will play out in practice is really exciting.”