FAQs - Wales 14–16 Qualifications

Learners can achieve: 

• Entry Level 1 

• Entry Level 2 

• Entry Level 3 

• Level 1. 

Learners may demonstrate different levels of achievement across the three Assessment Components. 

The qualification is designed primarily for learners aged 14–16 and supports achievement from Entry Level 1 through to Level 1 within a single qualification. 

It develops mathematical fluency, understanding and practical numeracy through core mathematics, data and applied problem-solving. It has 130 GLH and 150 TQT.  

First live assessment is planned from January 2028, with Spring and Summer results cycles available during the first year. 

Yes. Providers can schedule assessment according to learner readiness, and components can be completed in different terms. 

No. Providers mark or assess the individual components. 

Once confirmed outcomes are available for all three components, Open Awards automatically applies the published weighting and aggregation methodology to calculate the overall Qualification Outcome. 

Providers can use either: 

• an Open Awards-developed assessment version; or 

• an approved provider-devised assessment version. 

Provider-devised assessments must meet the relevant Open Awards Assessment Setting Specification and quality assurance requirements. 

Component 3 requires learners to apply Reading and Writing skills within an integrated communication task. 

Learners complete approximately 4–5 hours of supervised assessment, which can be divided across multiple sessions within a maximum two-week assessment period. 

Component 2 assesses Learning Outcome 5 through a supervised paired or small-group spoken interaction. 

Learners receive approximately 10–15 minutes of introduction and structured preparation. The live interaction is then organised so that each learner has approximately 10–15 minutes of meaningful assessed participation, including speaking, listening, responding and interacting with others.  

Providers select the appropriate tier based on the learner’s expected level of performance. The two-tier model ensures that assessment remains accessible for learners working at the lower Entry Levels while providing appropriate demand for learners working towards Entry Level 3 and Level 1. 

Component 1 assesses Reading and Writing through an Open Awards-set assessment completed under controlled conditions. 

It is tiered: 

• Tier 1: targets Entry Level 1 and Entry Level 2 – 60 minutes 

• Tier 2: targets Entry Level 3 and Level 1 – 80 minutes 

Providers mark the assessment using the Open Awards mark scheme, complete internal quality assurance and submit marks for Open Awards moderation.