A SEPARATE qualification system in Wales could spell disaster, according to one Gwent AM.

William Graham, Conservative AM for South Wales East, said Wales would be better off with a common set of qualifications so higher education entrants are not discriminated against.

Leaks last week suggested that the UK government education secretary Michael Gove has drawn up a plan to replace GCSEs with an Olevel style qualification in England.

But Welsh education minister Leighton Andrews has ruled out introducing O-levels in Wales.

Mr Graham, who is also the Assembly Tories’ business manager and chief whip, told the Argus a separate qualification system in Wales could be disastrous.

He said that the Welsh Baccalaureate is not as well recognised by universities as it could be.

He said: “I think it would be better off having a common set of qualifications so our higher education entrants are not discriminated against.”