Significant changes to new GSCEs in Wales likely after burnout concerns

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Significant changes to new GSCEs likely after burnout concerns47 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleBethan LewisWales family and education correspondentGetty ImagesThe new qualifications were introduced in Wales in September 2025Significant changes are likely to Wales' new English Language and Literature GCSE after warnings more assessments throughout the school year were leading to burnout among staff and pupils. New qualifications were introduced from September 2025, part of a major overhaul of the school curriculum. Opening a consultation on proposed changes to the English and Welsh language and literature qualifications, the WJEC exam board said it had "listened carefully to concerns raised by schools leaders, teachers and other stakeholders regarding the workload".

A headteachers' union said it was "relieved" changes were being looked at to what it called a "totally unmanageable" additional workload for schools. 'So stressful' - teachers and pupils say new GCSEs are leading to burnoutSome new GCSE courses have a far greater proportion of non-examination assessments (NEA), along with less emphasis on formal exams. NEAs include a range of activities such as oral assessments, fieldwork, portfolio work and practical assessments which are often set and marked by teachers.

The Details

Only months since it started being taught, the WJEC said it had "concluded that significant adjustments are needed" to the GCSE English Language and Literature course after feedback from schools. The exam board is consulting on reducing the level of oracy assessments, while it is also considering dropping the requirement for planning and research for tasks to be completed under a high level of teacher supervision. Any major changes would be introduced for Year 10 students starting in September 2026 but would not apply to pupils who were already a year into the course, the WJEC said.

More limited changes are also being considered for the Welsh language and literature qualification. Tasks would not be removed from the GCSE, but the WJEC said it was considering "several potential changes that could help improve manageability in the future". Those changes would be introduced from September 2027.

The developments follow warnings from teachers about the pressures of planning and marking the work, as well as the demands on pupils. Headteachers in Cardiff sent a letter to the WJEC and regulator Qualifications Wales warning the reforms were placing schools "under extreme pressure" and calling for "urgent action…. to protect staff wellbeing and pupil learning".

The WJEC said it had been "working closely with practitioners, head teachers, Qualifications Wales and other key stakeholders to explore ways of improving the manageability of these qualifications while maintaining their educational integrity and supporting positive outcomes for learners".

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.