Education Minister Paul Givan announced reforms to GCSE and A Level qualifications as part of the TransformED strategy. The changes aim to cut exam numbers and shift focus to subject depth. Implementation starts with classroom teaching in September 2029.

A Levels will drop the standalone AS qualification. A new version includes three assessment units over two years. One unit worth 30 percent occurs in Year 13, with the rest in Year 14.

Most GCSE subjects adopt end-of-course exams. Core areas such as mathematics, English language, and science keep modular formats. Controlled assessments and coursework end in most subjects, limited to practical ones like art and technology.

Grading stays A to G. Northern Ireland students currently take more exams than peers elsewhere for similar results.

Givan said the system creates stress from excessive testing and limits learning depth. He noted coursework issues from artificial intelligence use affect fairness.

Alliance MLA Nick Mathison, education spokesperson and committee chair, opposed the linear A Level move. Consultation showed 77 percent of respondents against it, 19 percent of teachers in favor, and 9 percent of pupils. Mathison argued end-loaded exams raise stakes and anxiety without midway checks.

Mathison called coursework cuts a hasty response. He highlighted improving detection tools for artificial intelligence and said exams alone fail to assess full skills. The Alliance Party plans talks with school leaders, teachers, and students. The Department of Education offers training for the shift.