QUALIFICATIONS WALES has today published the findings of an in-depth, two-year review of Essential Skills Wales qualifications. 

This review set out to establish whether the existing qualifications and the assessment methods used met the needs of learners, learning providers, and employers in Wales.  

Essential Skills Wales qualifications – which cover the subjects of application of number, communication, digital literacy and employability – are designed for use in post-16 courses in further education, work-based learning, and adult community learning. They enable learners to develop and demonstrate the skills that are essential to gain a foothold in or progress in their chosen careers, and gain valuable skills prized by employers. Last year, more than 23,000 Essential Skills Wales certificates were awarded to learners across Wales as part of apprenticeships, post-16 further education programmes and adult community learning.  

During the review, the Qualifications Wales team carried out extensive research and spoke to learners, providers, and employers – and the majority wanted reform. They gave feedback about the currency and manageability of the qualifications and their assessments. 

The regulator is now planning to reform three of the four subject areas: application of number; communications; digital literacy. 

Reform will be phased in and the new qualifications will be available to centres for first delivery from 2028. Qualifications Wales will continue to listen to learners, employers, and learning providers, and it will involve them in the next steps to ensure that the content and assessment methods for these reformed qualifications are fit for purpose.  

The announcement was made at the launch of the review report at ACT Training’s Cardiff Skills Centre in Ocean Park House, East Tyndall Street, Cardiff, today. 

Gareth Downey, Senior Qualifications Manager, said: ”Essential Skills Wales, which are a key part of apprenticeships and are widely taken in further education, support learners to progress in education, work and life. Our review findings show there are strengths to the current Essential Skills Wales qualifications, but there are issues that require our attention in the short and longer term.  

“We have worked with key partners to address some issues but it is clear that reform is needed in the longer term. We look forward to working closely with stakeholders and key partners to reform qualifications in application of number, communication and digital literacy to ensure that they fully meet the needs of learners, providers and employers in Wales.” 

Training provider ACT Training was one of the stakeholders the regulator consulted during the review process. It has sites in Cardiff, Barry, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Aberdare, Pontypool, and Ebbw Vale. 

ACT’s Head of Skills and Curriculum Development, Tracey Spiller, said: “ACT welcomed the opportunity to work with Qualifications Wales and other training and FE providers of Essential Skills. The process of the review was clearly communicated, and we were included at every step. We really felt that our feedback mattered, and we are excited to be a part of what comes next.”    

Martin Davis, Regional Quality Manager for Learning & Skills in HMPPS Wales, added: “We are really excited to be included as part of the ESW qualification review that is currently being undertaken, as many of the learners in custody have missed opportunities to learn these skills prior to their sentence. It is therefore critical to be able to offer them the chance to undertake regulated qualifications, in line with colleges across Wales.”     

Andrew Bond, Curriculum Manager Skills and Partnerships of Bridgend College, said: “At Bridgend College, we believe that Essential Skills Wales qualifications play a crucial role in empowering learners and transforming their lives. These qualifications provide a solid foundation in key areas such as communication, numeracy, and digital literacy, all of which are vital for personal growth, career development, and active participation in society. By equipping learners with these essential skills, we help them build confidence, achieve their aspirations, and enhance their employability, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the economy.” 

YSGOL Dyffryn Taf in Whitland went into partial lockdown on Wednesday (Sept 11) after two pupils received a threatening message on social media.

In response to the threat, the school implemented safety measures, locking all external doors during lesson times. Staff were positioned to supervise corridors, and pupils were instructed to remain in their classrooms. The lockdown was lifted later in the afternoon, and the school resumed normal operations today.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed: “Concerns were raised following a threatening message made on social media against two pupils of Ysgol Dyffryn Taf. The school took appropriate safeguarding action, which concluded swiftly. To provide reassurance, officers from the local neighbourhood policing team were present at the end of the school day. Police enquiries are ongoing.”

Parents and carers were promptly informed of the situation once the school became aware of the threats. In a statement posted on Facebook, Alun Owen, headteacher of Ysgol Dyffryn Taf, explained: “I am writing to inform you that I had to take the decision to place the school into a state of partial lockdown this afternoon. This precautionary measure was in response to information we received earlier today.

“We locked all external doors during lessons. Teaching and learning continued as normal, but pupils remained in class at all times. Staff supervised corridors and the site perimeter.”

Mr Owen confirmed that the partial lockdown has since been lifted, stating: “The risk associated with this incident has now passed.”

Police continue their investigation into the origins of the social media threats.

Parents and pupils have been reassured that appropriate actions were taken to safeguard the school community.

FOLLOWING the successful completion and handover of the new-build school, Ysgol Bro Penfro opened its doors to pupils for the first time on Thursday 5^th September. The school represents an exciting new chapter for Welsh medium education in Pembrokeshire and will serve as a Welsh medium primary school for the whole of the south west of Pembrokeshire.

The Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro building project has been funded by the Welsh Government through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, and Pembrokeshire County Council, and provides full day-care for up to 36 children aged 0-11 years, a 30 place nursery, and capacity for up to 210 pupils (Reception to Year 6).

The school represents a landmark project, not only for its status as a Welsh medium school, but also due to it being the first school in Pembrokeshire to be delivered to meet stringent Net Zero Carbon requirements.

The school was built by Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd with approximately 21% of all sub contracts being awarded to Pembrokeshire companies.

Cllr. Guy Woodham Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said:

“I am delighted to see Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro open its doors to pupils for the first time. This new school is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality Welsh medium education and creating sustainable, state-of-the-art learning environments.

“The investment in this project not only supports the educational needs of our children but also reinforces our dedication to environmental responsibility. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this school will have on our community and the future generations of Pembrokeshire.”

The school’s Executive Headteacher, Dafydd Hughes, said that he was delighted to be in a position to welcome pupils to the new school.

“It is pleasing that nearly 140 children have come through the doors of this fantastic new facility and I am certain that we can ensure that we develop a successful educational setting which will provide pupils with the opportunity to thrive and flourish in a fully Welsh medium setting.  The focus will be on innovation and excellence in all aspects of the school’s daily work whether supporting pupils from an academic perspective or from a well-being perspective.  I want them to be proud of their language, their community and their school.”

The Council’s two Welsh Language Champions, Cllr Delme Harries and Cllr Aled Thomas added: “We are delighted that Ysgol Bro Penfro has opened and that the Council has invested in a new Welsh medium school to serve the wider Pembroke area. This investment, and Cabinet’s decision to widen the school’s catchment area, will further enable the expansion, and access to Welsh medium education in the county.”