Commenting on today’s results, Nicola Fitzpatrick, Interim Wales Secretary for the National Education Union Cymru, said:
“Congratulations to all students receiving their GCSE, Welsh Baccalaureate and other Level 2 qualification results today. Their hard work and efforts, supported by their parents, carers and educators, should be thoroughly commended.
“This cohort began secondary school as the pandemic hit—facing unprecedented disruption. Their achievements are amazing, our teachers and support staff the under-celebrated backbone.
"Whilst this year’s results are slightly better than those in 2024, it is really unhelpful to compare results from one year to the next. End of course exams are far from the best and fairest way to assess students' skills. Regurgitating information on a single day is becoming less and less relevant. A six-week window of stress is unnecessary and fails to prepare students for the world they are about to enter.
“As September approaches and the first wave of the new made for Wales GCSEs will be taught for the first time and moves towards a made for Wales vocational offer (VCSEs) in 2027, we need to ensure that these new qualifications use a range of assessment methods, which capture what young people can do. The measurement of skills or knowledge should be tailored to the needs of a subject, not the one-size-fits-all of exams. Broader, mixed methods of assessment would help cultivate skills more effectively and allow all students the chance to show what they can do. We also need to ensure that we don't increase the workload of teachers, but trust their judgement, without adding too much unnecessary bureaucracy.
“For those who have secured the grades they needed to go on to Further Education, we congratulate them and wish them well. It’s also important to remember today that for those young people who don’t get the results they want it isn’t the end of the road. They can speak to their school and local college about the options that are available – there are lots of courses out there."