Responding to the announcement by Qualifications Wales of the introduction of new work-related vocational qualifications and new skills-based qualifications for 14-16-year-olds, Laura Doel, national director for NAHT Cymru, said:

“We welcome this new suite of qualifications which will undoubtedly be of benefit to young people who thrive in vocational subjects.

“The existing vocational qualifications were in need of review and now we have an opportunity to develop something in Wales that truly meets the needs of our learners.

“However, there are concerns about the workload implications for schools, how these qualifications and GCSEs will interlink with the New Curriculum for Wales, and their suitability in meeting the needs of students who move to other parts of the UK to study or work.

"Discussions over these issues are ongoing between unions, WJEC and Qualifications Wales to ensure learners and staff are not disadvantaged.”