Ages 16+ and Lifelong Learning
This page provides an overview of the nature of learning leading to qualifications in Wales for young people aged 16-19 and adults, outside higher education.
Options for learners
For those who do wish to gain an external qualification, there are different ways in which they can do this. They can be at school or college or in the workplace, including voluntary organisations.
At school or college
Schools and colleges offer a broad range of options for courses leading to external qualifications. These may include:
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Entry levels
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GCE and VCE AS/A levels
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GCSEs
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Key Skills qualifications
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NVQs
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Other vocational qualifications
In the workplace
There is also a wide variety of qualifications available for learners based in the workplace. Many learners are following the Modern Apprenticeship programme and seeking to achieve an NVQ, Key Skills or a related vocational qualification. Community based and voluntary organisations also provide a range of opportunities for 16+ learners, some of which can lead to external qualifications.
Our regulatory partners
As we share a common qualifications system with England and Northern Ireland, we carry out our regulatory work in partnership with the other regulatory authorities: Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) in England and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland. Together, we will continue to develop the qualifications framework for our respective countries. We also work with our regulatory partner in Scotland the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), particularly on some vocational qualifications and credit.
Initiatives
Learners in all sectors should also be aware of initiatives in Wales, which could affect them.
Currently, two important such initiatives are:
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14-19 Learning Pathways - the Welsh Assembly Government is currently reviewing the provision to be made for 14-19 year olds in education and/or training in Wales. This includes the piloting of the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification.
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Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) - the development and introduction of the CQFW is being led by the National Council for Education and Training for Wales (ELWa). This framework will allow learners to gain credit for their achievements, both for qualifications within the National Qualifications Framework and for other learning outside external qualifications.
For more information visit the Welsh Assembly Government website|