Welsh Government
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Review of Qualifications for 14 to 19-year-olds published in Wales

Deputy Minister for Skills Jeff Cuthbert has yesterday received the final report of the Review of Qualifications for 14 to 19-year-olds.

The independent Review was commissioned in September 2011 to consider how the Welsh Government can achieve the vision of qualifications that are understood and valued and meet the needs of our young people and the Welsh economy.

The Review was prompted by a number of concerns about the complexity of the current system and the extent to which it is understood, and the relevance, value and rigour of some qualifications.  

Chaired by Huw Evans OBE, the Review Board was composed of employers, representatives from schools, further education, work-based learning and higher education.  It also included Welsh Government officials.  

In compiling the Review, the Board listened to an extensive range of interested parties at a variety of meetings and events across Wales. Young people have shared their experiences and opinions with the Review team in schools, colleges and at stakeholder events.  Many employers, employer representatives, universities, learning providers and parents have also put forward their views.  

A formal consultation exercise attracted 187 responses and included an open evidence day at which any stakeholder was able to represent their views directly to Board members. The review was strongly evidence-based, drawing on a large body of existing evidence and data and commissioning bespoke research on some key topics.

Welcoming the report, Jeff Cuthbert said:

“Our young people deserve to have confidence in their qualification system.

“The purpose of this review was to ensure that the qualifications available to learners in Wales are relevant, valued and understood, and that those qualifications are what employers and universities want.

“An important part of this is making sure that qualifications available in Wales are recognised and valued not only in Wales, but also across the border and worldwide.

“I would like to thank Huw and the Board for their excellent work on the Review and for producing an extremely thorough, well considered and valuable report.  I am excited by the opportunities outlined in the report. I look forward to considering the recommendations in detail and I intend to respond formally by the end of January 2013.”

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