Education Minister has issued a final call for
responses to the consultation on improving GCSE, AS and A level
qualifications offered by CCEA.
To date, the Department has received over 2,200 consultation
responses.
Calling for final views, said: “There is just
over one week remaining of the GCSE, AS and A level consultation
and I am encouraging as many people as possible to provide their
views and feedback in order to help shape policy proposals on
this important issue.
“My overarching aim is to ensure that qualifications in
Northern Ireland remain relevant and aligned to the needs of our
students, as they progress into further study, employment or
training.”
The consultation sets out detailed proposals for
change including:
- Reducing the content of qualifications to support deeper
learning.
- Reducing the number of exams students are required to take.
- Moving most qualifications to a linear structure, so exams
are taken at the end of the two-year course allowing more time
for teaching and learning.
- Removing AS levels and moving to a two-year A level
structure.
- Removing controlled / internal assessments, where possible,
to reduce the burden on students and teachers.
- Aligning the CCEA GCSE grading scale with England's 9–1 scale
to improve clarity and recognition
The Minister continued: “Education drives opportunity and
progress. That is why qualifications must remain fit for purpose
and reflect the evolving needs of our young people, employers and
society.
“This consultation is vital, and I encourage all those
interested in shaping the future of education to have their
say."
The consultation period will run until 13 November 2025 and can
be found here – https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-future-ccea-qualifications.
Notes to editors:
1. CCEA is the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and
Assessment. It is a non-departmental public body funded by and
responsible to the Department of Education.
2. CCEA is legally required to review its qualifications
regularly and this is shaped by the Department's Qualifications
Policy Framework.
