The proposed changes to GCSE and A Level in Northern Ireland

The changes are a way to bring forward a "more coherent and streamlined approach"

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A public consultation has been launched on proposed changes to GCSE and A Levels in Northern Ireland. Education Minister Paul Givan has launched the consultation with proposals to improve the GCSE, AS and A Level qualifications offered by exam board CCEA.

Proposals in the consultation include reducing the number of exams students are required to take, removing AS Levels and moving to a two-year A Level structure, and removing internal assessments.

The Department of Education has brought the consultation as it is "increasingly concerned the current qualifications policy framework is no longer fit for purpose." They said as many students are now sitting formal examinations across four consecutive years, it places undue pressure on students and schools.

The proposed changes are a way to bring forward "a more coherent and streamlined approach," the Department said.

Here is everything you need to know about the proposed changes, including how to get involved with the public consultation.

What changes to GCSE and A Level have been proposed?

The consultation sets out detailed proposals for change including:

• Reducing the content of qualifications to support deeper learning.
• Reducing the number of exams students are required to take.
• Moving most qualifications to a linear structure, so exams are taken at the end of the two-year course allowing more time for teaching and learning.
• Removing AS levels and moving to a two-year A level structure.
• Removing controlled / internal assessments, where possible, to reduce the burden on students and teachers.
• Aligning the CCEA GCSE grading scale with England’s 9–1 scale to improve clarity and recognition.

How to get involved in the public consultation

The consultation will run from 18 September to 13 November 2025 and can be found here – https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-future-ccea-qualifications.

What has the Education Minister said about the consultation?

Launching the public consultation, Paul Givan said: “I am committed to ensuring that qualifications in Northern Ireland remain relevant and aligned to the needs of our students, as they progress into further study, employment or training.

“The changes that I am proposing aim to ensure qualifications developed in Northern Ireland support high-quality teaching and learning. They will remove unnecessary pressure by reducing the number of exams that students sit and reduce the workload burden on teachers whilst maintaining standards that are recognised nationally and internationally.”

The Minister continued: “Education is the cornerstone of opportunity, aspiration and progress and it is essential that the qualifications available to young people reflect the evolving needs of learners, the economy and society. It is therefore crucial that they remain fit for purpose and responsive to the demands of the modern world.

“I am grateful to our school leaders who have helped shape these proposals and I would encourage all those with an interest in education to now respond to the consultation.”

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