FAQs - Wales 14–16 Qualifications

Progression will depend on the learner’s level and chosen programme. Potential next steps include higher-level study within the suite, vocational qualifications, further education, training, apprenticeships, supported employment or employment. 

Yes. The qualifications can be taught and assessed in English or Welsh, with qualification and assessment documentation available in both languages.  

Providers must have: 

• a Delivery and Assessment Plan 

• suitably competent tutors, assessors and IQAs 

• pre-delivery verification of assessment arrangements 

• an IQA sampling plan 

• internal standardisation 

• appropriate assessment and learner records. 

Open Awards then carries out risk-based External Quality Assurance (EQA) in accordance with its CASS arrangements.  

Yes, where the evidence shows that a different level is more appropriate. 

Providers must review the learner’s performance and involve the IQA before requesting a transfer to a higher level. Learners are not automatically awarded a higher-level qualification simply because they demonstrate some higher-level performance.  

Yes. 

Learners should only be formally assessed when they are ready. If they do not achieve all required Assessment Criteria on the first attempt, they can have a maximum of two further opportunities to address the outstanding criteria. 

Where appropriate, learners only need to address the unmet requirements rather than repeat the whole assessment.  

Every required Assessment Criterion within the unit must be achieved. 

The qualification is competency-based and Pass/Fail. Strong performance against one criterion cannot compensate for an unmet criterion elsewhere. 

There is a clear progression in independence: 

• Entry Level 1: highly supported participation in familiar activities 

• Entry Level 2: increasing independence with reduced prompting 

• Entry Level 3: completion of tasks with limited support 

• Level 1: independent planning, completion and review of straightforward tasks 

• Level 2: independent application of skills, including across different contexts, with responsibility for decisions and evaluation.  

No. 

The qualifications are designed to support flexible and inclusive assessment. Learners may demonstrate achievement in different ways where this provides valid evidence against the Assessment Criteria. 

However, the level of independence expected increases across the suite, and reasonable adjustments must not reduce the required assessment demand. 

The method depends on the unit and level but can include: 

• practical observation 

• questioning or discussion 

• written or learner-generated evidence 

• photographs or video 

• reflective evidence 

• witness testimony. 

Unit Specifications identify appropriate assessment methods and state where a particular method is required. 

There are no external examinations. 

Assessment is: 

• set by the provider 

• assessed by the provider 

• internally quality assured by the provider 

• externally quality assured by Open Awards. 

Assessment should normally be integrated into practical teaching and learning activities.