FAQs - Wales 14–16 Qualifications

No formal prior qualifications are required. 

Providers use initial assessment and professional judgement to identify the most appropriate level for each learner. 

Yes, within the Rules of Combination. 

This allows providers to create programmes that recognise different learner strengths. However, the required proportion of GLH must be achieved at or above the registered qualification level. 

With the exception of BSL, units with the same title at different levels cannot normally both contribute to the same qualification. 

Learners must achieve content from both Skills for Life and Skills for Work. 

The minimum requirement from each area is: 

• Award: at least 20 GLH from each 

• Certificate: at least 40 GLH from each 

• Diploma: at least 80 GLH from each. 

At least two-thirds of the qualification GLH must also be achieved at or above the qualification level. 

Providers can select units to create a programme that reflects learner needs, interests and progression goals, provided the relevant Rules of Combination are met. 

Units are generally worth 10 or 20 GLH. 

Skills for Life draws from units focused on areas such as personal development, independent living, health, wellbeing, community participation and practical everyday skills. 

Skills for Work draws from units focused on employability, careers, workplace skills and preparation for employment. 

Skills for Life and Work allows learners to combine both areas within a single qualification. 

Each pathway is available in three sizes: 

• Award – 60 GLH 

• Certificate – 120 GLH 

• Diploma – 240 GLH 

All are graded Pass/Fail. 

They have been developed to support the 14–16 Curriculum for Wales, including learners in mainstream, specialist and alternative provision. 

They can also be offered to older learners where appropriate. 

They are a flexible suite of unitised qualifications designed to develop practical skills for everyday life, learning and work. 

The suite has three pathways: 

• Skills for Life 

• Skills for Work 

• Skills for Life and Work 

and is available from Entry Level 1 to Level 2.  

First delivery is planned from September 2027. 

Because learners need time to undertake a sustained project, the first submission/results cycle will be in Spring 2028, with the first planned submission cut-off on 7 April 2028. 

Yes. 

The project can be taught and assessed throughout the year. Open Awards operates three termly cycles for submission, moderation, Standards Review and results release rather than restricting providers to fixed assessment windows.