Big shake up in Education – but will it raise standards?

Whatever you think of Education Minister Leighton Andrews he's certainly not afraid of shaking things up and challenging people head on which makes the 14 – 19 Qualifications Review published two weeks ago and today’s announcement of a new Welsh Qualifications body today for the same age group all the more interesting.

The new body will be called ‘Qualifications Wales’ was recommended in the Welsh Government’s Review of qualifications for 14 – 19 years olds. It said that the regulation of qualifications in Wales should be strengthened and separated from the Welsh Government and Huw Evans, the Chair of the Review of Qualifications, has agreed to chair a task and finish group, to be established early in 2013, to steer the early delivery of ‘Qualifications Wales’.

And as Leighton Andrews acknowledges ‘Clearly the creation of Qualifications Wales will have implications for the WJEC. We have already commenced discussions with the organisation and with local government leaders on this issue and will be continuing this dialogue. The WJEC will continue to be a key and valued provider of qualifications in Wales and in other nations as these discussions progress.'

It’s a bold step and a welcome one, but the test will be do these changes help raise standards and give out kids the education they need and give them the skills for life – only time will tell.

The Qualifications Review for 14 – 19 years old report with all the recommendations is here and today's announcement is here  

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