To promote fairness and consistency, this flexibility has been scaffolded by guidance, by exemplar materials and professional learning. The Welsh Government has provided over £9 million to support schools and colleges as well as allocating a national inset day. There are both internal and external quality assurance mechanisms, including professional dialogue with the WJEC on grade outcomes at centre level, a feature that was requested by the sector in 2020. I can reassure Members that the WJEC will not change any outcomes as a result of this dialogue; those remain decisions of centres. Reflecting the different delivery model this year, the WJEC has been able to reduce its fees by 42 per cent, releasing a further £8 million to schools and colleges. Recognising the role of centres, I'm providing a further £1.6 million to enable fees to be reduced to 50 per cent.

Schools and colleges are now managing centre reviews of grades requested by learners as part of the appeals process. I am confident that learners will have access to a fair and workable route of appeal. Where a centre review has taken place, should the learner wish to pursue further, a second route is available via WJEC. This approach, which is unique to Wales, has been developed to minimise the burden on schools and colleges during the holidays. I am today confirming that appeals will be free.

This year is distinct from previous years. Some learners prefer exams, and some will do better in continuous assessment. These learners have experienced significant disruption as well as adapting to a new approach to assessment. I am confident that we have developed a system that is transparent, fair, equitable and credible. Learners can have confidence in the grades awarded, and so too can the wider education system and employers, within and beyond Wales. We have supported schools, colleges and higher education institutions to support learners in transitioning to their next steps. 

Wales was, of course, the first to cancel the summer examinations, but all four UK nations are now on a broadly similar path. We remain closely engaged with our counterparts to achieve a level playing field for learners across the UK, and this is particularly important for higher education admissions. Universities in Wales and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol have collaborated under the leadership of the Open University to introduce University Ready, an online platform of resources ranging from study skills to support for mental health and well-being.

Finally, I would like to update Members on vocational qualifications that are regulated jointly with other administrations. For qualifications similar to GSCEs and A-levels, for example BTECs, grades will be determined by schools and colleges in a similar way to general qualifications, and will be awarded no later than GSCEs and A-levels. For other vocational qualifications used for progression or licence to practise, qualifications have been adapted and assessments can continue where it is safe to do so. Further education institutions have been awarded £26 million to allow for the safe return of learners to ensure vocational programmes are completed.

In closing, I would like to reaffirm my gratitude to teachers and lecturers, the design group, Qualifications Wales, the WJEC and partners across the education system for their collective effort to ensure a generation of learners will be awarded qualifications, marking their hard work and attainment during a period of unprecedented disruption. These efforts have required a significant contribution from our workforce and strong, ethical leadership from our school and college leaders. I thank them for their efforts. I would also like to congratulate learners for their resilience and their commitment during what has been a truly challenging year.