June 09, 2026 - 175 views
Significant changes could be made to Wales’ new English language and literature GCSE less than a year after it was introduced, following mounting concerns from schools about workload pressures on both teachers and pupils.
The qualification, which was launched in September 2025 as part of Wales’ wider curriculum reforms, is now under review by the WJEC exam board after widespread feedback highlighted concerns over its manageability.
The WJEC has opened a consultation on proposed changes, saying it had “listened carefully” to concerns raised by schools, teachers and staff regarding the demands of the course. The move comes after warnings that increased levels of assessment throughout the academic year were contributing to stress and burnout.
Under the new GCSE, a greater proportion of marks are awarded through non-examination assessments (NEAs), including activities such as oral presentations, portfolio work and teacher-assessed tasks, reducing the emphasis on traditional end-of-course exams.
However, teachers have argued that the additional planning, supervision and marking required by these assessments has placed considerable strain on staff and students alike.
Among the changes being considered are reductions to the amount of oracy assessment required and the removal of some highly supervised planning and research activities. While no tasks would be completely removed from the qualification, the WJEC says the proposals are aimed at improving the qualification’s overall manageability.
Any major changes would apply to pupils beginning Year 10 in September 2026 and would not affect students already studying the current course.
More limited adjustments are also being explored for the Welsh language and literature GCSE, with potential changes expected from September 2027.
The review follows strong criticism from school leaders. Headteachers in Cardiff previously warned that the reforms were placing schools “under extreme pressure” and called for urgent action to protect staff wellbeing and pupil learning.
A headteachers’ union welcomed the consultation, saying it was relieved that concerns over what it described as a “totally unmanageable” additional workload were finally being addressed.
The WJEC said it would continue working closely with schools, Qualifications Wales and other education stakeholders before deciding on the final changes. The consultation will remain open until mid-June, with outcomes expected to be announced before the end of the summer term.
The developments mark a significant rethink of one of the flagship qualifications introduced under Wales’ new curriculum, highlighting the challenges of balancing educational reform with the practical realities facing schools.
