Kirtsy Williams, Education Minister Wales

Wales has abandoned end of year exams for GSCE, A-level and AS-level students for next summer.

The Education Minister Kirsty Williams the exams will be replaced with teacher-managed assessments.

She added there would be an “agreed national approach” to ensure consistency across the country.

Ms Williams said: “The wellbeing of learners and ensuring fairness across the system is central in our decision making process.

“We remain optimistic that the public heath situation will improve, but the primary reason for my decision is down to fairness; the time learners will spend in schools and colleges will vary hugely and, in this situation, it is impossible to guarantee a level playing field for exams to take place.

“We have consulted with universities across the UK and they have confirmed that they are used to accepting many different types of qualifications.

“They expect a transparent and robust approach which provides evidence of a learner’s knowledge and ability.

“Our intended approach does just that, as it is designed to maximise the time for teaching and learning.

“Cancelling exams provides time for teaching and learning to continue throughout the summer term, to build the knowledge, skills and confidence in our learners to progress in whatever they decide to do next.”