**Controversy Grows Over Welsh Baccalaureate as Students Call for Change**
A growing chorus of voices has emerged amongst students, parents, and educators in Wales, sparking lively debate over the value and necessity of the Advanced Skills Welsh Baccalaureate (commonly referred to as the Welsh Bacc). With many describing the post-16 qualification as a vital stepping stone, and others decrying it as an unnecessary burden, the future of the course remains uncertain.
The Welsh Bacc, which is predominantly delivered through coursework and regarded as an equivalent to an A-level, is broadly mandatory in most maintained schools and colleges across Wales. Although not legally required by the Welsh Government, many institutions enforce participation, influenced largely by the funding attached to student enrolment in the subject. According to information gathered by campaigners, schools and colleges can receive upwards of £1,000 per student who completes the subject.
This funding structure, uncovered by Coleg Sir Gar A-level students Ioan Armstrong and Sam Bartlett through Freedom of Information requests, has prompted the pair to petition for change. Their campaign, which quickly gained over 300 signatures, argues that while the Welsh Bacc offers some benefits, its compulsory nature can be detrimental for many, especially when students are already wrestling with challenging A-level workloads.
Student stress and concerns about academic priorities are central to the campaign. Sam and Ioan contend that juggling the demanding Welsh Bacc coursework alongside other subjects can place undue strain on learners at a crucial stage in their education. “We believe students should be able to choose whether the Welsh Bacc fits their individual pathways,” said Ioan, highlighting the pair’s belief in flexibility rather than blanket mandates for all.
The story has elicited a flood of responses on social media, painting a starkly divided picture of public opinion. While some echo Sam and Ioan’s frustrations, seeing the Welsh Bacc as time-consuming and of little relevance to their ambitions, others cite it as instrumental in securing university placement. One former student credited the qualification for helping him gain admission to a pharmacy course, stating, “Welsh bac actually saved my uni application… it was taken into account when I went through clearing.” Conversely, others insist that the qualification was not recognised by their preferred universities or fields of study, leading to a sense of wasted effort and mounting stress.
It is important to note, however, that the Welsh Bacc is recognised by most universities and offers valuable UCAS points. Proponents point to the skills-based approach, personal development opportunities, and the broader social awareness fostered by the course. Teachers who support the Welsh Bacc suggest that students can use project work to showcase their interests in university applications and interviews, further enhancing their academic portfolios.
Not all feedback has been positive. Some students claim that much of the content duplicates work found in other subjects, while others note that additional workload during peak exam periods only heightens anxiety and fatigue. These concerns have also been voiced by parents, who argue that piling another subject onto already demanding timetables risks harming students’ mental health.
Despite the polarised opinions, there remains a strong undercurrent in favour of reform rather than outright abolition. Sam, for instance, intends to join the civil service via apprenticeship rather than university and feels the Welsh Bacc could serve some – but not all. Both he and Ioan assert that the stress caused by the qualification runs contrary to the Welsh Government’s own guidance on student wellbeing.
In response to the growing discussion, a Welsh Government spokesperson reiterated that the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate is not formally compulsory; schools and colleges have autonomy regarding their curricula and admissions processes. The spokesperson emphasised the qualification’s aim to develop practical and transferable skills to prepare learners for university, vocational education, and the workplace.
The Welsh Bacc recently underwent reform, with the new Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales introduced in September 2023. The updated programme hopes to address some criticisms and focuses on a combination of individual research projects, employability, global citizenship, and community involvement – all aimed at building a well-rounded skill set for young people moving into adulthood.
As opinions remain sharply divided, the broader debate raises essential questions about autonomy, choice, and the best ways to equip Wales’ next generation for a rapidly changing future. Whether the Welsh Bacc becomes optional or remains largely mandatory may come down to ongoing discussions between policy makers, education leaders, and – crucially – the students whose futures are most affected.