WACE is undergoing major changes. Here’s how it will impact students

Year 12 students across Western Australia will face major changes to the system over the next two years, with plans to revamp both the general and ATAR pathways.

The latest School Curriculum and Standards Authority annual report outlines a ‘WACE Refreshment’ plan, focused on “practical changes that make the certificate clearer and more responsive to student needs … aligned with others nationally and internationally”.

One of those key changes, to be implemented from 2028, is a new pathway provisionally named WACE Access, with the state government investing $6.9 million in the initiative.

It will be aimed at supporting students with disability and those who are unable to meet current WACE requirements with appropriate adjustments to help them complete year 12.

The Authority told this masthead that requirements for the new pathway will be informed by stakeholder consultation and research, including similar approaches in other states and territories.

It is also expected to recognise learning that “builds essential life skills, including literacy, numeracy, digital capability, and personal and social capability”.

Schools and students will be given time to confirm course offerings and subject selections to support the first cohort of year 11 students in 2028 and year 12 students in 2029.

Another key change outlined in the Authority’s annual report states that from 2027, students looking at completing tertiary preparation endorsed programs must also complete at least one year 12 ATAR course.

That change has been made to recognise “ATAR courses best prepare students for university study and that [those] students generally aspire to university study”.

The Authority said the change followed consultation with students, principals, school systems and sector bodies, and university representatives.

Diplomas will also not contribute to WACE achievement from 2027, and from 2028 only approved qualifications on the Authority’s Certificate IV Specified List will count – a decision that has also followed sector consultation.

That change has been made to ensure those recognised qualifications are suitable for the senior secondary context, industry-supported, and aligned with WACE standards, according to the Authority.

And from December 2027, the Authority will also report student engagement with “general capabilities” on the WA Statement of Student Achievement, issued to all year 12 students at the completion of their schooling.

This will provide information about the “broad knowledge, skills, behaviours and dispositions developed through senior secondary study for further learning, employment and community participation”.

An Authority spokesperson said the changes were intended to deliver “meaningful improvements to our secondary education system”, and to make sure students “develop the confidence and capability to successfully pursue their chosen pathways”.

“It is crucial that every student has the opportunity to challenge themselves and reach their potential, regardless of which pathway they choose,” they said.

“The Authority is committed to ensuring that any changes introduced maximise the value of the WACE for students as they transition to further education, training and employment, while minimising the impact on schools and teachers wherever possible.”

Another change, announced late in 2025, aimed at encouraging more students to tackle harder subjects and take on the ATAR pathway, is also included in the Authority’s refreshment plan.

Students who score a D grade in an ATAR subject is now counted as the equivalent of a C grade scored in a general class, in recognition that the ATAR courses are more difficult.

When asked on whether there had been any meaningful changes recorded in the year since the transition, the Authority said they would continue to monitor the impact of the change over time.