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.

Nub News spoke to a local secondary school to find out their reaction to the announcement.

Mr Hywel Price, headteacher of Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg, felt the decision was in the interest of fairness.

"I presume it's the best and wisest decision to take. Various schools have had varying degrees of the virus and the effect it has had on so many pupils," he said.

"Some schools have been hit harder by the virus than others, so you can't really hold exams on a level playing field for pupils.

"I think they had no choice but to cancel the exams this summer, but we'll have to look into what the new assessment process will be like."

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.

But Mr Price questioned what that meant for Year 11 and 13 students, who will have completed the academic year by April, in that case.

"Does that mean they leave school at the end of April? There's a long time between April and September for those students," said Mr Price.

Mr Price also raised concerns about maintaining student engagement through the school year.

"Some pupils thrive in examination subjects and others absolutely despise exams and will find that completing teacher assessments and externally-set assessments better and more manageable," he said.

"I'm concerned about keeping pupils engaged. Possible 'what's the point?' attitudes worry me amongst certain pupils."

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."

Mr Lee Humphreys, headteacher at Pencoedtre High school was reassured by the announcement.

"I was pleased that the Welsh Government have been decisive. For us, it was the unknown that was having a negative impact on the well-being of students and teachers alike," he said.

"It relieves a couple of question marks for us, we know now that an assessment period can begin when we need it to start.

"We'll have additional time with the children to teach them for longer. It makes sure that everyone is treated fairly and equally along their school journey, because some students have had to isolate for longer than others through no fault of their own.

"The message that the government want to work with us, is a positive.

"We have to ensure we give the children the chance to reach their best potential and get them the qualifications they deserve."

Mr Humphreys acknowledged that some pupils will be dissapointed not to sit their exams.

"For some Sixth Form and Year 11 learners, they're dissappointed not to show everything they've learnt through their school journey in the normal way," he said.

"But we will do everything we can to ensure they get the best possible and most robust set of qualifications."

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson said: "The Council is aware of the Welsh Government Minister's recent announcements regarding GCSE, AS Level and A Level exams next year.

"We look forward to receiving more detail on the new arrangements in due course. We will work closely with our schools to ensure consistent implementation and equitable outcomes for all pupils."