Welsh government sets out new guidance for school leavers

Lynne Neagle, the welsh cabinet secretary for education, has announced the publication of statutory guidance on 14 to 16 learning under the Curriculum for Wales.

The Curriculum for Wales is a purpose-driven curriculum that lays out what the government wants for learners when they finish compulsory education at 16. 

The guidance sets out the policy for 14 to 16 learning and teaching, including the legal requirements for schools, and forms part of the Curriculum for Wales framework guidance. It also sets out clear national expectations to provide a consistent approach across all schools.

From September 2025 the Curriculum for Wales will start to be taught to year 10; in September 2026 when it reaches year 11 learners, the roll-out will be complete. 

She said: "My officials have worked with school leaders to develop a package of support for practitioners on how schools can design their 14 to 16 curriculum offer."

It will be published during the autumn term to coincide with the publication of WJEC's new GCSE specifications specific to Wales. 

Neagle added the government is developing a targeted package of professional learning for senior leaders to complement both the WJEC training, and the professional learning already available on curriculum design, progression and assessment. 

She said: "Secondary education is, of course, about more than just studying for qualifications. And the teaching and learning must be broader than just preparing young people for exams – it’s preparing learners for life. 

"This is why I want all learners to finish compulsory education at 16 both having been given the opportunity to gain good qualifications and having gained the knowledge, skills and capabilities they need to transition to their next steps, whether that is continuing in formal education, apprenticeship or work."

She said the Welsh government are also developing a targeted package of professional learning for senior leaders to complement both the WJEC training, and the professional learning already available on curriculum design, progression and assessment.