Summary
The Department consulted on proposals on The Future of CCEA GCSEs, AS levels and A levels from 18 September to 13 November 2025. The Consultation Report was published on 18 February 2026. The Report summarises the views gathered through the public consultation, the young people’s survey, extensive engagement with teachers, pupils, school leaders and wider stakeholders. It also provides a Departmental reflection on this feedback.
Documents
- Consultation Report - The Future of CCEA GCSE, AS and A Level Qualifications
- Consultation Document - The Future of CCEA GCSEs, AS Levels & A Levels
- Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) - The Future of CCEA GCSEs, AS levels and A levels
- Equality Screening - The Future of CCEA GCSEs AS levels and A levels
- Privacy Notice - The Future of CCEA GCSEs, AS levels and A levels
Consultation description
The Department sought views on proposals on the future of CCEA GCSEs, AS levels and A Levels with a focus on reducing the burden of assessment and enhancing the depth of student learning.
CCEA has a legal duty to regularly review its qualifications to ensure they remain current, fair and portable for students, schools and employers. Subject specifications are normally reviewed every five years. CCEA’s GCSE and A level subject specifications were last reviewed in 2015/16, so a review is overdue. The first step in the review process is for the Department to set out the overarching qualifications policy framework which will guide the review of CCEA specifications. This framework sets the rules and principles on which qualifications should be developed, including structure, content, assessment and grading. The consultation document provides more in-depth details on the proposals.
The Department would like to thank all those who responded.
Ways to respond
Consultation closed — responses are no longer being accepted.