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'So stressful' – teachers and pupils say new GCSEs are leading to burnout
In Wales, new GCSE reforms place up to 40% of the final grade on teacher-supervised non-examined assessments (NEAs). Since implementation began in September 2025, schools report high workloads and burnout among staff and pupils, prompting calls for a review and ongoing regulatory engagement.
Why It Matters
The changes affect how students are assessed, teachers’ workload, and pupil wellbeing, drawing responses from unions, schools, regulators, and political parties.
Timeline
7 Events
May 1, 2026 — Parents' concerns at Urdd event
May 1, 2026
At an Urdd rugby event in Cardiff, some parents of Year 10 pupils expressed concerns about workload and lack of syllabus backing, while others felt their children were coping well with the changes.
May 1, 2026 — Political and party reactions
May 1, 2026
Reactions from parties include Labour praising NEAs as a valid form of assessment in some areas, Conservatives arguing the reforms have not raised standards, Reform UK calling the workload unsustainable, Plaid Cymru prioritising a review of qualification suitability, Liberal Democrats citing funding concerns, and the Green Party being asked for comment.
May 1, 2026 — Regulator and government responses; second wave planned
May 1, 2026
The WJEC and Qualifications Wales said they are aware of concerns and are working with stakeholders to ease pressures and support delivery. Qualifications Wales defended the new GCSEs as meeting curriculum requirements and increasing resilience, and signalled ongoing engagement ahead of the second wave of qualifications beginning from September (as announced for future rollout).
May 1, 2026 — Cardiff head teachers' joint letter to regulators
May 1, 2026
Head teachers in Cardiff sent a joint letter to the WJEC exam board and Qualifications Wales warning the reforms place schools under extreme pressure and calling for urgent action to protect staff wellbeing and pupil learning.
May 1, 2026 — NASUWT survey results
May 1, 2026
A NASUWT survey of 423 respondents found widespread experiences of severe stress, exhaustion, and being overwhelmed among teachers, with several reports of negative impacts on mental health and some considering leaving the profession.
May 1, 2026 — Current NEA workload details and hours
May 1, 2026
As of May 1, 2026, the new NEA requirements are affecting subjects such as English Language and Literature (20 hours 55 minutes of NEAs over two years), Religious Studies (12 hours), and Welsh in Welsh-language schools (26 hours over two years); English, Welsh, and Religious Studies staff report increased classroom-based testing and workload.
September 2025 — Wales begins implementing the new GCSE qualifications with NEAs
September 2025
The new GCSE qualifications began being implemented in Wales in September 2025. NEAs account for up to 40% of the final grade and are taken under teacher supervision; in some subjects, pupils may accumulate up to 26 hours of NEA work across two years.