Can I start by also paying tribute to our schools, colleges and teachers across Wales for everything that they have done to support our children and young people through this extraordinarily difficult 15 months, under enormous pressures? I, too, would also like to wish the very best of luck to our learners, who have shown remarkable understanding and resilience, as you said, Minister, in the last year or so.

Llywydd, I welcome the Minister's statement and recognise the hard work of everyone involved, from designing, delivering and assessing to trying to ensure that learners across Wales receive the fairest grades possible this year following last year's unacceptable fiasco. Working hard to design a system using assessments to better support and evidence the grades given to learners was a necessary step to ensure that this year's cohort don't share the same experiences as last year's. It is my sincere hope that these potential centre-determined grades, which are starting to be delivered to learners already, fairly reflect the hard work and potential of our young people, and that the appeals process is robust and proves fit for purpose.

Last year, the grade inflation was massive, Minister, and entirely unsustainable. There is undoubtedly going to be a degree of grade inflation this year, Minister, due to the nature of the process in place. But what proportion of students would you expect to see achieving A* to C grades this year, Minister? The potential grades being delivered between now and 2 July seem to be a sensible adaptation that Wales has adopted, which does differ from the rest of the UK, giving learners that time to appeal before the recess, and before the official result stays. This is, of course, to be welcomed, I'm sure, across the Chamber, so that students can actually celebrate their hard work on those results days. I also welcome the process being free, as you've announced today.

Obviously, there was some understandable concern, Minister, over stage 1 of the appeals process. The last thing that any of us want is to put a significant extra burden on teachers and schools after what they've been through with the pandemic, where they've gone above and beyond for us. It does, however—if it doesn't prove to be overburdened—seem to be a natural and sensible first step to appeal to a learner's own school before the WJEC. It seems, through early indications, talking to stakeholders, Minister, that so far, so good in terms of the number of appeals coming forward, but obviously there's a long way to go yet. Minister, could I ask you to please publish a rolling update on the number of appeals? And could you also please share with this Chamber today, Minister, what you'll be doing to support learners that are using an English-based exam board, to highlight the different process that they have in place, compared to the WJEC process that you've outlined, ensuring that all Welsh learners across Wales have the full support from us that they need? 

Also, can I ask you about the costs of awarding qualifications that you've now touched on today in your statement? Schools are still paying 50 per cent of their usual exam fees despite not getting any exams from the WJEC, and having to access and internally moderate grades themselves. The workload for school staff is far greater than in a normal year, and the WJEC has a lesser role. So, surely, Minister, Welsh Government should be covering most if not all of the costs this year, given the pressures that schools are facing. Also, I want to touch upon the particular circumstances facing private and home-schooled candidates, and wondered if you were able to provide to them the certainty they need going into the summer. 

And generally, what has this Government done to ensure that learners, parents and carers are 100 per cent clear on the appeals process, if they feel the need to appeal their grade? Are you happy that clear guidance has been given to these learners and support networks? 

Vocationally, I welcome the extra funding announced today that will go to further education institutions to allow them to adapt to allow the safe return of learners, but I also share some of the concerns of colleges about the delay in some practical assessments for vocational courses, such as health and social care and childcare courses. Adding to the delays already experienced last year, delays to date have put even more strain into the system, creating a number of bottlenecks that need to be addressed now, particularly in the vital areas that we need to increase employment in, like health and social care. I know colleges have worked hard as they've reopened to prioritise practical assessments in these areas, that weren't possible during the pandemic, and there is some degree of catch-up now. And the funding announced today will have some sort of impact. But what numbers are we talking about, Minister? Will you make a statement on the number of people currently left waiting to take assessments please, so we can monitor the process? 

Finally, Minister, whilst we're discussing this year's qualifications, it is also important to start looking ahead to next year's assessments. I'm sure that you'll agree with me that schools, teachers and young people need clarity on future arrangements, so that they can plan with some degree of confidence. And whilst necessary during the pandemic, this year's arrangements are not sustainable with so many variables in the long term. So, Minister, would you be able to confirm whether it's your intention to return to a fairer and consistent exam-based system next year? Diolch.