Education Minister Paul Givan has today announced a landmark policy framework for CCEA GCSE and A Level qualifications, marking the most significant shake-up of Northern Ireland's examination system in a generation.

The reforms, part of the Department of Education's TransformED strategy, are designed to shift the focus from "teaching to the test" towards deeper subject mastery. The framework follows an extensive public consultation that highlighted high levels of stress among pupils and an excessive workload for teachers.

Key Changes to Qualifications

The new framework introduces structural changes to how students will be assessed from 2029 onwards:

• A Levels: The separate AS Level qualification will be abolished. It will be replaced by a new modular A Level consisting of three units of assessment taken over two years. One optional unit (worth 30% of the final grade) can be taken in Year 13, with the remaining two units (70%) taken in Year 14.

• GCSEs: Most subjects will move to a linear structure, with exams taken at the end of the two-year course. However, modularity will be retained for core subjects: Mathematics, English Language, and Science (Single and Double Award).

• Coursework: Controlled assessment and coursework will be significantly reduced across most subjects, retained only where essential for practical skills (e.g., Art, PE, and Technology). • Grading: Despite earlier proposals to align with England's 9–1 scale, Northern Ireland will retain the A–G grading system* to ensure stability for local schools and employers.

Minister Givan argued that the current system forces Northern Ireland pupils to sit significantly more exams than their peers in England to achieve the same qualifications.

He said: "Too often, the system has become dominated by teaching to the test, leading to stress, anxiety, and lost opportunities for genuine depth in learning. These reforms reduce unnecessary exams, give back precious teaching time, and focus on what truly matters for future success."

The Minister also noted that reducing take-home coursework would help address equity issues and the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence on the authenticity of student work.

Timeline for Implementation

The transition to the new system will be phased to allow schools and teachers time to prepare:

• Development Phase: CCEA will now begin developing new subject specifications and a revised regulatory framework.

• First Teaching: The earliest changes to classroom teaching are expected to begin in September 2029.

• Support: The Department has pledged full training, guidance, and support materials for schools throughout the transition period.

The Minister concluded by describing the move as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to build a modern, evidence-informed system that prioritises long-term success over "outdated structures."