FAQs - Wales 14–16 Qualifications
If you're interested in delivering the new 14-16 qualifications for Wales, these FAQs will help.
There are three mandatory Assessment Components:
- Component 1 – Reading and Writing: 50%
- Component 2 – Oracy: 20%
- Component 3 – Applied Communication: 30%
All three components must be completed, and a learner must achieve at least Entry Level 1 Pass in each component before an overall qualification outcome can be awarded.
Learners can achieve an overall qualification outcome at Entry Level 1, Entry Level 2, Entry Level 3 or Level 1.
Learners do not need to perform at exactly the same level in every assessment component. Different component outcomes are combined using the qualification’s published aggregation model.
The General Foundation Qualification in English is a new qualification for Wales designed primarily for learners aged 14–16. It supports learners working from Entry Level 1 through to Level 1 within a single qualification and develops Reading, Writing, Oracy and applied communication skills. The qualification has 130 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) and 150 Total Qualification Time (TQT).
Yes. To register your interest or discuss your plans, contact our Business Development Manager for Wales, Geraint Turner, at geraint.turner@openawards.org.uk.
You can start planning now ahead of first teaching from September 2027.
Yes. Learners will be able to take the qualifications through the medium of Welsh or English, and our qualification guides and other key supporting materials will be available bilingually.
Yes. The National 14–16 Qualifications have been designed to give centres flexibility in building a curriculum that meets their learners’ needs. Our qualifications can be delivered alongside existing GCSEs and the new VCSEs. For more information on how you can build your curriculum, get in touch with our Business Development Manager for Wales Geraint Turner, at geraint.turner@openawards.org.uk
To ensure our qualifications are impactful and inclusive, all our qualifications include flexible provider-led assessments.
Assessment will vary by qualification, and full assessment arrangements will be set out in the relevant qualification guide.
Our qualifications are aligned with the progression stages and cross-cutting themes outlined in Curriculum for Wales. Each unit specifically details how the unit links to the Area of Learning and Experience, Statement of What Matters and the Principles of Progression.