New GCSE Assessments Place Heavy Pressure on Welsh Schools
Miriam, Fraser, Beca, and Efa are Year 10 students at Ysgol Bro Myrddin.
Teachers in Wales report that the newly introduced GCSE qualifications are imposing "overwhelming pressure" on staff, with students being "assessed constantly".
Since the introduction of the new GCSEs in September 2025, there has been increased emphasis on in-school assessments, including coursework and oral evaluations.
In some subjects, these assessments contribute up to 40% of the final grade.
For example, students studying Welsh Language and Secondary Literature undertake over 26 hours of non-exam assessments spread across two years.
While the increase in assessments reduces the focus on end-of-year exams, the NASUWT union has expressed concerns about the "stress" on teachers and calls for an urgent review.
Qualifications Wales and the Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) have acknowledged these concerns and are collaborating with teachers to provide support.
What is a Non-Exam Assessment?
A non-exam assessment is any form of assessment that is not an exam. All candidates complete it simultaneously under teacher supervision. It includes various tasks.
Of the 432 teachers who responded to the NASUWT survey, many reported increased pressure to prepare and mark these assessments.
89% stated they marked work at home, and 74% reported significant workload pressures.
English, Welsh, and Religious Studies teachers expressed the greatest concerns.
Additionally, letters from headteachers in Cardiff have highlighted the urgent need to protect the wellbeing of both staff and students.
"A Massive Change" in Year 10 Workload, Says Miriam
At Ysgol Bro Myrddin in Carmarthen, Year 10 students have begun revising for exams but have already completed several in-class assessments.
"The step to Year 10 has been massive," said 15-year-old Miriam.
"We haven't had a single lesson this year where we weren't preparing for coursework or exams," she added.
"Everyone in the class is tired. Our energy has been drained by coursework after coursework, and now the teachers say there are exams with no breaks for us."
Efa Reports Feeling "A Lot of Stress"
Fellow student Efa, also 15, acknowledges that the new GCSE content is "more modern" but admits she "feels a lot of stress."
"The amount of work really affects me... and people are burning out," she said.
She mentioned having a mock exam on the day and feeling "really worried."
"I was revising until about 1:00 AM because that was the only time I had due to netball, young farmers club, and it's hard to find time to be yourself, relax, and spend leisure time with your family."
Since many assessments must be completed in class, students worry about falling behind if absent.
"It's hard to ask friends, and teachers are so busy marking coursework and preparing the next lesson, they don't have time to do different lessons for you, so it's difficult for them and us," said Beca, 15.
Fraser, 15, said he has "missed opportunities" to play rugby and go to the gym.
"Although I'm glad the work is spread over two years, I end up doing the same thing repeatedly, which becomes boring, and you want to do more," he added.
"I struggle to find time to do things at home. You have a long day at school and want to relax at home, but you can't because you have more work to do, so I miss out on my leisure time."
"Losing Sleep" Due to Early Mornings and Workload
Beca wakes early to revise and complete schoolwork, which "sometimes means going to bed earlier and losing sleep."
"I think it sometimes affects how much sleep I get and my motivation to work the next day," she said.
This often results in tiredness after school:
"In period five, when I'm tired after waking early, I lose the desire to work well."
Beca also stopped singing in a choir and competing in eisteddfodau, citing that it "limits the time I have to do work."
She continues to participate in sports but noted that choir sessions occur during school hours, after school, and at lunch times when revision sessions are held.
"I want to be in the lessons to get the information to do coursework and exams," she added.
"The Workload is Overwhelming"
Siwan Rees, Head of English at the school, said students are "being assessed constantly... it's like a factory production line where they move from one thing to the next."
"There are many exciting aspects of the new course that appeal to students, but the way it is assessed and administered creates major problems," she explained.
With three oral and three written English assessments over two years, teachers are pulled from other classes to prepare, assess, and standardize work.
"Time taken away from teachers' personal lives means less time with family and weekends... the workload feels endless," she said.
"Teachers also have to hide any concerns or fatigue to maintain energy for students."
Having taught for over 25 years, she added, "If I were a bit older, I might consider whether I want to put myself through this, but I have two children to support, so I carry on!"
"Soon the workload will be so overwhelming that people won't want to come in; people in their 50s will want to retire, and it will be very difficult to fill school posts. It's a big worry."
School Should Offer a Broad Experience, Not Just Results, Says Dr Llinos Jones
Dr Llinos Jones, Headteacher at Ysgol Gyfun Bro Myrddin, expressed a desire to discuss with Year 10 students how they feel and to speak with staff, emphasizing the need to reduce the content of these qualifications due to excessive material.
"If a child is absent to attend the Urdd championship, they miss a day of schoolwork, and some children now choose to stay in school rather than compete," she said.
"School experience is for the child - not just academic results."
"More Like a Tsunami Than a Wave"
The new GCSE qualifications are being introduced gradually.
Wave 1 was introduced in September 2025, with Wave 2 scheduled for September 2026.
However, Dr Jones described the changes as "more like a tsunami than a wave due to all the changes, but waves 2 and 3 are still to come, so it has been quite a challenge."
She added that staff workload is "endless" and that increased assessment means teachers are taken out of classrooms to mark, standardize, and input data, requiring supply teachers and increasing costs.
Siôn Amlyn of NASUWT Wales explained that their survey findings are "concerning" and that a review of non-exam assessments is necessary.
"88% of members noted they spend at least eight hours on a single piece of coursework, which is a waste of time," he said.
"There is concern this is the final straw that breaks the camel's back."
Alongside pressures such as low pay, workload, and worsening behavior, some members have told them, "that's it, I'm quitting," which is unacceptable.
The UCAC union also stated that the pressures negatively impact the mental health of learners and teachers.
"Because the exams and assessments are new, there is uncertainty among teachers and learners about exam details, which in turn creates worry and concern," they added.
"I Believe It Matures Them"
At the Urdd rugby competition in Cardiff, parents from across Wales expressed mixed feelings about the new GCSEs.
Nia Wyn, a teacher and mother of a Year 10 student at Ysgol Bro Pedr, said, "There is pressure for them to realize how important these assessments are... but I also believe it matures them and prepares them better."
Gareth Hopkins said his son "is worried because he has no new resources, but he's okay. He thinks 'what will be will be!'"
Rhys Williams explained his son "does a lot outside school - rugby, football - and there isn't much time for that and work... but we focus on school first and then sports, so everything is fine."
Adele described the situation as frustrating: "I don't think enough information has been shared with us as parents, the students, and the schools."
"We Are Discussing the Challenges"
Qualifications Wales, responsible for the qualification framework, said they are "discussing the challenges."
"As we approach the introduction of the second wave of qualifications from September, we continue to engage widely with stakeholders – including teachers, learners, and WJEC – to hear and understand their experiences of these new qualifications," a spokesperson said.
The Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC), which develops qualification content, stated they "take concerns seriously" and are already providing additional support to schools.
We have contacted the main political parties in Wales for their response.
Labour said the assessments are fairer for some students. Plaid Cymru, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK agree that change is needed.
So far, the Green Party has not responded.
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