After facing mounting criticism from educators, scientists, and professional bodies, the Welsh government has decided to put its planned reform of science GCSEs on hold. The controversial proposals, which were intended to simplify the science curriculum, will now undergo a further consultation, a move welcomed by critics who warned the changes could disadvantage Welsh students. This pause marks a significant U-turn and signals a period of uncertainty for schools and students.
The reforms, championed by qualifications regulator Qualifications Wales, were part of a broader overhaul of the national curriculum. The central plank of the proposed changes was the removal of the three separate science GCSEs—biology, chemistry, and physics—in favor of a new "double award" science GCSE and a "single award" integrated science qualification. The plan was to stop teaching the separate sciences from September 2026. Proponents argued this would create a more equitable system, ensuring all students received a comprehensive science education and preparing them for a diverse range of future pathways.
However, the proposals met with fierce opposition. The Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Physics, among other learned societies, expressed grave concerns. They argued that combining the three disciplines would dilute the content and remove essential subject specific knowledge needed for progression to A level and STEM careers. Critics also feared that a two tier system would emerge where a select few students would be streamed into the double award, while others, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, would be funneled into the less rigorous single award. This they claimed would entrench inequality and narrow future opportunities for young people in Wales. The organizations also pointed out that the new curriculum was outdated and lacked modern and relevant context.
In response to the continued and widespread debate, Qualifications Wales has now announced a further consultation which will take place in autumn 2028. As an interim measure, the existing separate science GCSEs will continue to be available to schools alongside the new double and single award qualifications. This decision allows time for the new qualifications to become established in schools and colleges before a final choice is made on the future range of science GCSEs available in the country. Any resulting changes would not take effect until first teaching from September 2031.
The U-turn, while offering a reprieve, has also been met with a degree of frustration from both sides of the debate. While critics are relieved, they also point to the "confusion" and "uncertainty" the delay creates for schools and teachers who are now faced with three different science pathways to offer their students. The decision underscores the significant challenges in reforming educational systems and the difficulty of balancing competing views on how best to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. It is a win for those who fought for more depth and choice in the science curriculum but it also leaves a lot of questions unanswered about the future of science education in Wales.
