Wales puts major controversial changes to GCSE exams on hold

CONTROVERSIAL plans to ditch separate science GCSEs in Wales have been put back from 2026 to at least 2028 to allow for further consultation.

- ABBIE WIGHTWICK

Exam regulator Qualifications Wales said further discussion is needed on the future of GCSEs in biology, chemistry and physics as Wales reforms its exams.

It said: “There continues to be differing views among stakeholders on what and how many science GCSEs should be available to 14 to 16-year-olds and how learners can be provided with the best foundation in science study that will prepare them for life, further learning and work.”

The Royal Society of Chemistry and Institute of Physics have been critical of the choice schools and pupils will be offered between taking a double GCSE qualification in all three sciences or a single GCSE in all three, rather than three separate.

They urged the Welsh Government and Qualifications Wales to have the same qualification for all pupils when the plan was announced in 2023.

Two years on, the regulator said yesterday: “After careful consideration, Qualifications Wales has decided the best course of action at this stage is to carry out an additional consultation on the future range of science GCSEs that should be made available in Wales.”