Final call for views on the future of CCEA GCSEs, AS levels and A levels
Date published:
Education Minister Paul Givan 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, Paul Givan 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.
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