The Welsh Government announced today that all GCSE, AS Level and A Level exams in 2021 have been cancelled, and will be replaced by "teacher-managed" assessments.

Education Minister Kirsty Williams says that these examinations "should be externally set and marked" but delivered in a classroom setting overseen by teachers.

Stanwell School sent an email out to parents today that read:

"As you will have heard on the news today, the Welsh Government has announced that they will direct Qualifications Wales that there should be no end of year exams for GCSE, AS and A level qualifications in 2021.

"Instead of end of year exams, the WG intends that candidates should receive grades based on teacher managed assessments, including assessments that will be externally set and marked, but delivered within a classroom environment under teacher supervision.

"Guidance and supporting materials to indicate how this will be managed should be in place for the start of the spring term; we will keep you updated throughout.

"We understand that waiting for news has been stressful for many students and hope that today's announcement provides some certainty and clarity for you about the year ahead."

The Education Minister said that teachers would have flexibility on when it is best to undertake the assessments and that cancelling the 2021 summer exams provides time for teaching and learning to continue throughout the summer term.

Ms Williams confirmed that UK universities will accept many "different types of qualification".

"They expect a transparent and robust approach which provides evidence of a learner's knowledge and ability," she said.

"Our intended approach does just that, as it is designed to maximise the time for teaching and learning."

Describing a "highly challenging year", Ms Williams said that what has been announced today "sets a course that will remove pressures" from students and teachers and "provide clear time for teaching and learning."

More to follow.