91µÎµÎ

As Wales' only awarding body developing GCSEs as part of 91µÎµÎ °Â²¹±ô±ð²õ’ National 91µÎµÎ for 14-16, we bring over 75 years of experience in the delivery of trusted and valued bilingual qualifications. Our unique position— developing Made-for-Wales GCSEs alongside Vocational and Skills-based qualifications—makes us the only awarding body offering all qualification types within the National 91µÎµÎ for 14-16 offer, positioning us as the natural partner for centres seeking a comprehensive provider. 

In this article, Delyth Jones, Assistant Director of Qualification Development (General 91µÎµÎ), explains how our role in shaping a new suite of foundation, vocational and skills qualifications as part of the National Offer positions WJEC as the definitive choice for centres across Wales. 

Building on proven expertise: From Made-for-Wales GCSEs to a comprehensive qualification suite 

While some may view WJEC as solely a General 91µÎµÎ awarding body, our expertise extends far beyond. Prior to the current reform programme, we   established ourselves as developers of General, Vocational and Skills-based qualifications tailored specifically for Welsh learners. 

Our Made-for-Wales GCSEs development has provided deep insight into how qualifications can support the Curriculum for Wales. We are in a great position to be developing General Foundation qualifications and are committed to ensuring that learners at all levels have access to high quality qualifications – like the related GCSEs, these will be based on the Statements of What Matters and the Principles of Progression. We are committed to ensuring that learners at all levels equally valuable  

As the only board who has already developed National 91µÎµÎ for 14-16 years-old with our first GCSEs, we've created frameworks for considering how our qualifications can support centres in delivering broader aspects of the Curriculum for Wales, such as the cross-cutting themes and cross-curricular skills and how we can make space for locally devised curricula.  We also introduced a range of non-examination assessments and improved representation and diversity in qualifications, enabling learners to apply knowledge in meaningful and relevant contexts.   

This comprehensive experience across all qualification types offers us a unique perspective on the complete National 91µÎµÎ for 14-16 offer, ensuring every qualification contributes to a coherent pathway towards realising the Four Purposes. 

The Skills Suite: Building on a decade of success 

Since introducing the Skills Challenge Certificate (SCC) in 2015, we have established unparalleled expertise in skills qualifications for 14–16-year-olds. Our Regional Support Officers maintain close relationships with schools and colleges across Wales, providing invaluable feedback—intelligence we're applying directly to develop the new Personal Project and Skills Suite. 

These qualifications will equip learners with essential skills for life and work, offering centres a seamless transition from the SCC. Our skills portfolio demonstrates considerable breadth: from Pathways to Employment to our recent contract win for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. 

Vocational qualifications: Creating valued pathways 

Our vocational provision must be equally valued by learners, parents and employers. Building on our reputation for high-quality qualifications with real currency, we're developing Vocational Certificates for Secondary Education (VCSEs) and Work-related Foundation 91µÎµÎ that equip learners with essential knowledge and skills while responding to Wales' evolving industry needs. 

Our recent Semiconductor qualifications—developed with employers and industry experts to meet emerging Welsh industry demands—d±ð³¾´Ç²Ô²õ³Ù°ù²¹³Ù±ð our agility in creating future-ready qualifications. 

Co-construction: Proven partnership approach 

Co-construction is fundamental to our approach; consistently delivering results. Our recently developed Sustainability qualifications, created in partnership with the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, demonstrate the power of true co-construction resulting in qualifications that align directly with °Â²¹±ô±ð²õ’ vision for sustainability.  We're now applying these proven collaborative principles with key organisations to develop our Skills suite. 

For the National 14-16 91µÎµÎ, we've engaged extensively with stakeholders. Our development structure includes Qualification Development Advisory Groups for every subject, plus overarching groups representing school leaders, learners, stakeholders and unions—ensuring our qualifications deliver value across all Welsh learning communities. 

Bilingual excellence: Equal provision from day one 

We're committed to simultaneous Welsh and English provision. We have extensive in-house expertise and have forged close links with Canolfan Bedwyr, Bangor University, enabling us to apply best practice in Welsh medium terminology. We take pride in providing high-quality materials in both languages simultaneously, making qualifications truly accessible to all Welsh learners. 

Why centres choose WJEC? 

Our proven track record establishes us as the trusted choice for high-quality bilingual qualifications. Our expertise and co-construction development approach ensures our  qualifications develop learners’  knowledge, understanding and skills—with clear progression routes to further education, apprenticeships or employment. 

We provide comprehensive bilingual support, enabling all teachers to deliver with confidence within the Curriculum for Wales framework. As centres prepare to deliver the new suite of Vocational 91µÎµÎ from September 2027, they need an awarding body with comprehensive understanding of the qualification landscape. Our Made-for-Wales GCSE experience and knowledge of the Curriculum for Wales, combined with Vocational and Skills expertise, uniquely positions us to support this transition. We're shaping futures, ensuring every Welsh learner has clear pathways to success. 

Written by Delyth Jones, Assistant Director Qualification Development (General 91µÎµÎ)