Education
Qualifications Wales announces reform of Essential Skills Wales qualifications

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.”
Education
Council pledges action after school stabbing verdict

CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has pledged to review the circumstances surrounding the Ysgol Dyffryn Aman stabbings to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Following the conclusion of the trial, in which a 14-year-old girl was found guilty of attempted murder, council leader Cllr Darren Price issued a statement expressing his “heartfelt sympathies” to those affected.
He said: “The incident that took place at the school on April 24, 2024, shocked and appalled the communities of Carmarthenshire and beyond. Violence, in any form, has unequivocally no place within our schools or any aspect of society.
“I would again like to thank the emergency services that responded at pace during this incident, along with the teachers, staff, pupils, council officers and the local community.
“On completion of the trial, all partners will be working together to review the circumstances of this case and to ensure we do all we can to prevent an incident of this nature happening again.”
‘Resilience and compassion’
The council praised the response of the school community, with Cllr Price commending the resilience shown by pupils and staff.
“The resilience and compassion that define the close-knit society of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman has allowed pupils to return to their classrooms at the safest and earliest opportunity, for their benefit and wellbeing,” he said.
“I sincerely hope that today’s verdict will permit the victims and the school a sense of closure on this awful event and that their privacy is respected.
“Ysgol Dyffryn Aman is an excellent school, and long may it continue its excellent work in educating the children and young people of Ammanford.”
Safety concerns
The attack, which left two teachers and a pupil injured, sent shockwaves through the community. Dyfed-Powys Police and Carmarthenshire County Council will now work together to assess security measures and response procedures at schools across the county.
The girl, who cannot be named due to her age, will be sentenced at a later date.
Education
Ysgol Bro Gwaun headteacher to retire after nearly four decades in education

PAUL EDWARDS, the headteacher of Ysgol Bro Gwaun in Fishguard, has announced he will retire at the end of the summer term, bringing his 37-year career in education to a close.
In a letter to parents last week, Mr Edwards confirmed his decision, saying it was the right time to step aside and allow new leadership to guide the school forward.
Mr Edwards first joined the school, then known as Fishguard High School, as a newly qualified teacher in the early 1990s. After a period working elsewhere, he returned in 2017 as headteacher. Of his 37 years in education, 26 have been spent at Ysgol Bro Gwaun.
“This decision has not been an easy one,” he wrote. “However, after 37 years in the profession, 26 of which have been at YBG (or Fishguard High School as it was), I feel it is the right time to step aside.”
Reflecting on his time at the school, Mr Edwards described being headteacher as a “privilege and honour,” expressing pride in everything the school community has achieved. He praised students, staff, parents, and carers for making Ysgol Bro Gwaun a vibrant and supportive environment for all pupils, regardless of background or ability.
The school’s chair of governors was informed of his decision some time ago, and the process to find his successor is already underway. The position will be advertised soon, with an appointment expected before Easter. The new headteacher will take up the role on September 1, allowing a smooth transition during the summer term.
In the meantime, Mr Edwards assured parents that it would be “business as usual” at Ysgol Bro Gwaun, with the school continuing to focus on its core purpose while the recruitment process takes place.
Education
Thousands more learners to receive financial support through Education Maintenance Allowance

THOUSANDS more post 16 learners in colleges and sixth forms will receive the Education Maintenance Allowance following a Welsh Government decision to uplift the household income thresholds resulting in more families being able to apply.
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly grant of £40, designed to support 16 to 18-year-olds from eligible households with further education costs, such as transport or meals. EMA was ended in England in 2011, and is retained at a lower rate of £30 in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Currently over 16,000 students receive EMA but starting from the new academic year in September an estimated 3,500 more learners will benefit from the uplift.
The threshold for households with one dependent child is currently £20,817 and this will increase to £23,400, meaning families with a household income of £23,400 or less will be eligible to receive EMA.
The threshold for households with two or more dependents is currently £23,077 and this will increase to £25,974, meaning families with a household income of £25,974 or less will be eligible to receive EMA.
Minister Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, said: “Wales already delivers the most generous Education Maintenance Allowance in the UK, helping post-16 learners to continue studying academic or vocational courses, and this change means we will now be supporting thousands more learners.
“We are very proud of our record in maintaining and increasing the Education Maintenance Allowance. We are clear that our Draft Budget is a budget for a brighter future and the uplift to EMA eligibility is one of the ways we are delivering this. The announcement means thousands more learners will now benefit from further financial support to continue or start their further education journey.”
Deio Owen, President of NUS Cymru, said: “NUS Cymru welcomes the Minister’s announcement today. Raising the household income threshold for EMA will enable more than 3500 young people to engage with post-16 learning. That’s 3500 young people that we will now hopefully see continue with their education and continue to equip themselves for a better future.”, said Deio Owen, President of NUS Cymru.
“We have been campaigning for this for quite some time, and we are delighted that the Welsh Government have finally listened to student voices. I look forward to working ever closer with the Minister in the coming months on areas where we can further strengthen the student offer in Wales.”
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