Changes Proposed to Wales' New English Language and Literature GCSE
Significant modifications are anticipated for Wales' recently introduced English Language and Literature GCSE following concerns that increased assessments throughout the academic year are causing burnout among both staff and pupils.
The new qualifications, launched in September 2025 as part of a comprehensive curriculum reform, have prompted a consultation by the WJEC exam board on potential adjustments. The board stated it had "listened carefully to concerns raised by schools leaders, teachers and other stakeholders regarding the workload."
A headteachers' union expressed relief that changes are being considered to address what it described as a "totally unmanageable" additional workload for schools.
Some of the new GCSE courses feature a significantly higher proportion of non-examination assessments (NEA) and place less emphasis on formal examinations. NEAs encompass various activities, including oral assessments, fieldwork, portfolio work, and practical assessments, which are typically set and marked by teachers.
Despite the course being taught for only a few months, the WJEC concluded that "significant adjustments are needed" to the GCSE English Language and Literature qualification based on feedback from schools.
The exam board is consulting on reducing the extent of oracy assessments and is also considering removing the requirement for planning and research tasks to be conducted under a high level of teacher supervision.
Any substantial changes would apply to Year 10 students beginning the course in September 2026 but would not affect pupils already a year into the qualification, according to the WJEC.
More limited revisions are also under consideration for the Welsh language and literature qualification. While tasks will remain part of the GCSE, the WJEC is exploring "several potential changes that could help improve manageability in the future," with these changes planned for introduction from September 2027.
These developments come after warnings from teachers regarding the pressures of planning and marking NEA work, as well as the demands placed on pupils.
Headteachers in Cardiff sent a letter to the WJEC and the regulator Qualifications Wales, cautioning that the reforms are placing schools "under extreme pressure" and calling for "urgent action…. to protect staff wellbeing and pupil learning."
The WJEC noted it has been "working closely with practitioners, head teachers, Qualifications Wales and other key stakeholders to explore ways of improving the manageability of these qualifications while maintaining their educational integrity and supporting positive outcomes for learners."
"The consultations will remain open until mid-June, after which we will carefully review all responses and confirm the outcomes before the end of the summer term,"a spokesperson said.
"We remain committed to working collaboratively with the education community and to implementing changes that support both teachers and learners, ensuring these qualifications can be delivered effectively and with confidence."
A 'Totally Unmanageable' Workload
Claire Armitstead, director of the Association of School and College Leaders Cymru, welcomed the proposed changes.
"It has been clear from the outset that the level of additional workload the new GCSEs has placed on schools is totally unmanageable,"she said.
"We are therefore relieved that WJEC are looking to make adjustments to some of these qualifications in consultation with the profession.
We hope this will lead to an examination system that is more manageable and deliverable going forward."
The UCAC union expressed satisfaction that the WJEC had taken into account the concerns of teachers and pupils.
"We hope that any changes resulting from the consultation will mean there is less pressure on learners and teachers."
Qualifications Wales, the exams regulator, stated its support for WJEC's efforts to "address concerns raised by teachers" related to NEA in a "small number of subjects."
"Once its consultation is complete, WJEC will present its proposed changes to us.
Any changes to the specifications will need to be approved by Qualifications Wales before they are implemented.
We continue to work closely with WJEC and Welsh Government to secure the successful implementation of the full suite of new GCSEs."
