Report published following consultation on the future of CCEA GCSE, AS and A level qualifications

Date published: 18 February 2026

The report sets out findings from the public consultation, feedback from wider engagement with key stakeholders and responses to a young people’s survey on proposed changes to qualifications.

Over 3,500 responses were received from individuals and organisations to the public consultation, which ran from September to November 2025. Almost 4,500 young people also responded to the bespoke survey facilitated by the Education Authority. In addition, the Department met with a broad range of stakeholders, including pupils, school leaders and teachers to listen to views and discuss the proposals in depth.

Education Minister, Paul Givan said: 

“There is a clear need to ensure that CCEA qualifications taken by Northern Ireland pupils are of high quality and are fit for purpose. The consultation has demonstrated strong support for retaining GCSEs and A levels, while also recognising the need to streamline content and assessment to improve teaching and learning and reduce pressure on teachers and pupils. CCEA qualifications must continue to provide effective pathways and progression and keep pace with developments in a rapidly changing technological environment.

“It has been over a decade since CCEA qualifications were last revised. My Department has undertaken significant consultation and engagement to evaluate current structures and approaches, particularly their impact on teaching and learning, and on teacher and pupil workload. These views will help shape the proposed revisions.” 

Alongside the consultation findings, the report signposts a range of research that will inform a new qualifications policy framework. This framework will be published in the coming weeks and will form the basis for CCEA to develop a new suite of high-quality, up-to-date qualifications that will serve future generations of pupils and young people. New specifications will be introduced on a phased basis with first teaching likely to be September 2028.

Paul Givan continued: 

“I am grateful to all who took the time to engage with my Department and respond to the consultation. The feedback, along with analysis of research evidence, will inform the way forward. I will set out next steps and publish a new qualifications policy framework for Northern Ireland in the coming weeks.” 

The Consultation Report: The Future of CCEA GCSE, AS and A Level Qualifications has been published on the DE website at https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-future-ccea-qualifications