Looking ahead to an exciting 2026
As we settle into 2026, the momentum we've built together continues to grow. Our ongoing collaborative work has created a strong foundation, and I'm excited to build on this as we continue developing qualifications to serve learners across Wales.
2025 was a year of genuine collaboration and partnership. Our work through our advisory groups and Senior Leaders webinars provided invaluable insights and channels for dialogue that have supported our work. These engagement activities aren't just highlights of 2025; they're now fundamental to how we work. Co-construction remains at the heart of our development approach, and these groups will continue to meet throughout 2026 and beyond, ensuring your voices guide our work.
I'm also proud to reflect on our Innovation Awards, our pinnacle celebration that brought 2025 to a close. This event showcased the exceptional creativity and ingenuity of our Welsh Design and Technology learners. Congratulations to Lewis Barnes, a learner from Brynteg Comprehensive School, who secured first place for AS Level and the Overall Winner prize for his innovative design of a ‘block start acceleration tracker’. Witnessing their talent and potential reminds us why learners in Wales are at the heart of everything we do, ensuring we develop qualifications that will propel them to reach their full potential.
Wave 2: Ready for delivery
Following Qualifications Wales' agreed timeline, last year we published our Wave 2 approved specifications in September and Sample Assessment Materials before the Christmas break. On January 21st, we released our Guidance for Teaching. All these materials now form a comprehensive package of guidance to support your preparation for September delivery.
To complement the above support package, development is underway for our Wave 2 new resource packages, with 85 new packages already live. As you may recall, our 2025 Pan-Wales Professional Learning sessions were a real success, demonstrating impressive collaboration and commitment to these new qualifications. The 2026 schedule is now available, and I would encourage your colleagues to take advantage of these free and valuable sessions.
Wave 3: Building on strong foundations
Work continues at pace in the development of our Wave 3 qualifications. I am delighted to announce that WJEC is the first awarding body to have qualifications approved as part of Wave 3 of the National 14-16 qualifications, with 4 VCSEs and 3 General Foundation Qualifications approved already by Qualifications Wales.
Our new suite will include industry-focused Vocational Certificates for Secondary Education (VCSEs), a Skills Suite and Personal Project qualification building on our Skills Challenge Certificate success, alongside Foundation qualifications, all designed to complement our existing Made-for-Wales qualifications.
What does this mean for your learners? Our Wave 3 qualifications will complement our new Made-for-Wales GCSEs and related qualifications, broadening the pathways available to learners. As your natural partner, we are designing these qualifications with minimal administrative burden in mind; maintaining quality and rigour while integrating smoothly with your existing provision.
Importantly, these qualifications are being developed with direct input from employers, ensuring learners gain the practical skills and knowledge that industry values. This approach will open doors to both further study and future career opportunities for learners across Wales.
Sophie Dobbs, our Wave 3 Regional Representative, continues to work closely with schools and colleges across Wales. If you'd like to arrange a visit to discuss how we can support your specific needs, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Looking forward and working together
We continue to welcome open dialogue with our educational community. As part of this commitment, I have ongoing visits planned to schools and colleges across Wales to hear directly from teachers, lecturers and learners about their experiences with our qualifications. With Prestatyn High School visit closing 2025, this term, I visited Fitzalan High School in Cardiff, and I’ll be visiting Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in March. If you would like to arrange a visit, please contact me via lorna.turner@wjec.co.uk.
I am also pleased to announce that our next Senior Leaders Webinar will take place after the Easter break, providing an opportunity to discuss our Made-for-Wales qualifications and ask questions directly to our leadership team. More details will follow in the coming months.
As we move through the spring term, we have some exciting events on the horizon. In February, we will be at the Skills Conference at Bangor University discussing the importance of skills and how learners can exemplify theirs with our qualifications. In March, we're delighted to be working in partnership with Ravensbourne University to deliver an innovative conference on 'AI in Screen Education'. This event will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the screen industries and what this means for film and media education at all levels.
Looking ahead, with Wave 1 qualifications being taught, Wave 2 ready for your planning, and Wave 3 taking shape, we're building something truly special for Wales' learners.
On behalf of everyone at WJEC, I want to thank you for your ongoing support, dedication, and professionalism.
Wishing you all a successful and fulfilling term ahead.
Yours sincerely,
Ian