The Welsh Conservatives have raised deep concerns following warnings that significant changes are likely to the new GCSE English Language and Literature qualification, only months after it began being taught.
WJEC has said it has concluded that “significant adjustments are needed” after feedback from schools, with concerns raised about teacher workload and the manageability of the new qualification.
The changes being considered include the removal of assessments from some units. Any approved changes would be introduced for Year 10 pupils starting in September 2026 but would not apply to pupils who began the course in September 2025.
Sam Rowlands MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Education, has said the situation shows why the Welsh curriculum must be reviewed, with pupils and teachers put back at the centre of education policy.
Commenting, Sam Rowlands MS said:
“Only months after this qualification started being taught, WJEC is already saying significant adjustments are needed. That should set alarm bells ringing across the Welsh education system.
“Teachers and pupils warned that too many assessments across the school year were adding pressure and creating burnout. They deserved to be listened to before this was rolled out, not after pupils had already started the course.
“If significant changes are already being considered only months after this qualification began being taught, then serious questions need to be asked about the Welsh curriculum. Teachers and pupils deserve a curriculum that is manageable and focused on raising standards.”
