Qualifications Wales law receives Royal Assent

A new law that will establish an independent regulatory body for qualifications in Wales has been granted Royal Assent by Her Majesty, the Queen.

As a result of the Qualifications Wales Act 2015 a new organisation, Qualifications Wales will be established. From September 2015 it will be responsible for ensuring qualifications awarded in Wales are effective in meeting the needs of learners and for promoting public confidence in qualifications and in the underpinning qualification system.  The new body will regulate awarding bodies and qualifications in Wales.

First Minister, Carwyn Jones welcomed the legislation:

“Public confidence in qualifications and the qualification system is essential. We want learners in Wales to have qualifications that will equip them well for their futures.

“As an independent regulator, Qualifications Wales will be free to work closely with educators and business to identify their needs and take the necessary steps to ensure both the qualifications and the qualification system meet the requirements of learners in Wales.”

Education Minister, Huw Lewis said:

“The time is right to establish an independent regulator that can operate a robust and challenging regulatory regime in the best interests of our learners.

“I’m clear that our qualifications should be nationally and internationally respected and act as a credible passport to future learning and employment.

“That’s why the passing of this Act is excellent news for our learners. I fully expect Qualifications Wales to become an expert in regulation and assessment and to ensure qualifications in Wales meet the needs of Welsh learners and enable them to progress to further learning and to employment”.