Made for Wales. Ready for the world: Momentum building
I hope you are settling into the new academic year well and that your learners are engaging positively with our new Made-for-Wales qualifications. The implementation of these qualifications has been a collective achievement, and as we look to the future, I’m excited to share developments that will further expand the opportunities available to learners across Wales.
With Wave 1 qualifications now being taught, we understand that ongoing support remains key during these early stages of delivery. That's why we continue to prioritise your needs with additional Professional Learning opportunities throughout the academic year alongside our suite of free adaptable Digital Resources and expert advice from our dedicated subject teams.
Wave 2 update
We are pleased to confirm that the specifications for the second Wave of our Made-for-Wales qualifications have been approved for first teaching from September 2026. Like Wave 1, these qualifications are designed to address Wales' unique educational landscape and prepare learners for future challenges and opportunities. The approved specifications are now available to download.
To support the implementation of these qualifications, we are developing a comprehensive support package, which will include flexible Professional Learning offerings and free adaptable Digital Resources, designed to fit the busy schedules of teachers and lecturers and ensure everyone feels confident and prepared for first teaching.
Looking ahead: Wave 3 development
Extensive work is already underway developing our third Wave of Made-for-Wales qualifications. This diverse portfolio includes industry-focused Vocational Certificates for Secondary Education, a Skills Suite and Personal Project qualification building on our Skills Challenge Certificate success, alongside Foundation qualifications. Our Wave 3 qualifications will build on our co-construction development approach, through expanded industry partnerships, ensuring these qualifications deliver genuine market value and stronger connections to the world of work.
Engaging with the educational community
This autumn has been particularly rewarding as we have deepened our connections with Wales' educational community through meaningful dialogue. The term began with important policy discussions —I had the privilege of chairing a Wales Policy Forum event in September where Richard Harry, our Executive Director: Qualifications and Assessment, joined fellow experts to explore the future of vocational and skills qualifications. These conversations, focused on qualification design and alignment with employer needs are crucial as we prepare for new vocational qualifications which will be introduced in 2027. Alongside these discussions, we've been actively engaging with the teaching community through additional activities, including our joint session with Qualifications Wales on digital assessment for our new qualifications. We also delivered our second webinar for Senior Leaders across Wales to provide an update on our Made-for-Wales qualifications, alongside the support available.
We have also strengthened our sector partnerships through our sponsorship of both the National Education Show and the Colegau Cymru Annual Conference. These events have allowed us to share our vision for Welsh education whilst showcasing our support services and building relationships within the sector.
Complementing these engagements, we celebrated the remarkable creativity of Welsh learners through our Innovation Award exhibitions in Cardiff and Bangor. The quality and ingenuity on display were truly inspiring, and I look forward to celebrating our winners at the awards ceremony in December.
Meeting with our schools and colleges
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. This month, I will be visiting Ysgol Brynhyfryd and Ysgol Glan Clwyd. If you would like to arrange a visit, please contact me via lorna.turner@wjec.co.uk.
On behalf of everyone at WJEC, I want to thank you for your ongoing support, dedication, and professionalism. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for education in Wales.
Yours sincerely,
Ian