What are the new GCSE subjects in Wales? 

What and how young people in Wales learn is changing with the introduction of the new Curriculum for Wales. Consequently, GCSEs in Wales are changing too.

The new GCSEs cover a range of subjects at Level 1 and Level 2 of the Welsh Government’s Credit and Qualifications Framework, and support the six Areas of Learning and Experience as outlined in the new curriculum: 

  • expressive arts
  • health and wellbeing
  • humanities
  • languages, literacy and communication
  • mathematics and numeracy
  • science and technology

The subjects, as well as the topics and themes covered within each subject, have been shaped following a period of collaboration with stakeholders and experts in Wales. As well as reflecting the new curriculum, the GCSEs will: 

  • be available in Cymraeg and English
  • have an increased range of assessment methods
  • make the most of digital technology wherever relevant 
  • reflect the diversity of learners and the world they live in
  • be recognised by employers and universities within and beyond Wales’ borders

The reformed GCSEs are being introduced in two waves and will be available to 14 to 16-year-olds from September 2025 and September 2026. When the new GCSEs are introduced, they will replace existing GCSEs in those subjects.

 

Wave 1 GCSEs

For first teaching from September 2025: 
  • GCSE Art and Design
  • GCSE Business
  • GCSE Computer Science
  • GCSE Core Cymraeg
  • GCSE Cymraeg Language and Literature (Single and Double Award*)
  • GCSE Drama
  • GCSE English Language and Literature (Single and Double Award*) 
  • GCSE Food and Nutrition
  • GCSE French
  • GCSE Geography
  • GCSE German
  • GCSE History
  • GCSE Mathematics and Numeracy (Double Award)
  • GCSE Music
  • GCSE Religious Studies
  • GCSE Spanish
  • Level 2 Award in Additional Core Cymraeg
*Most appropriate programme of study for the majority of learners

 

Wave 2 GCSEs

For first teaching from September 2026: 
  • GCSE Dance
  • GCSE Design and Technology
  • GCSE Digital Media and Film
  • GCSE Digital Technology
  • GCSE Health and Social Care, and Childcare
  • GCSE Integrated Science (Single Award)
  • GCSE Physical Education and Health
  • GCSE Social Studies
  • GCSE The Sciences (Double Award*)
  • Level 2 Award in Additional Maths
*Most appropriate programme of study for the majority of learners

 

What are the key changes to the new GCSEs?

Changes to the new GCSEs have been made on a subject-by-subject basis. As the qualifications regulator in Wales, we may make tweaks to GCSEs outside of any widespread reform in order to ensure they remain accurate and relevant to learners and the world we live in. As a result, some GCSEs have seen less change than others. 

Teachers and learners can expect to see the following changes across the GCSEs:

  • a move from linear to unitised assessment, or vice-versa
  • an increase in non-exam assessment for some subjects
  • a move to digital examination or on-screen assessment where relevant
  • a change in the number of units within the GCSE

Read about the changes for individual GCSEs in our subject-specific approval criteria. 

 

Timeline of project delivery

Read up on all the research, consultations and decisions relating to the National Qualifications in our timeline of project delivery. 

View the timeline.