Education Minister Leighton Andrews and his Northern Irish counterpart have demanded a meeting with UK Education Secretary Michael Gove to discuss the “importance of continuous communication”

In a joint letter, Mr Andrews and Northern Ireland’s education lead John O’Dowd said they were concerned about a lack of prior notice from the Westminster Government on qualification policy announcements.

The ministers said better communication between all parties would reduce the potential for “mixed messages and confusion” for learners, teachers and other stakeholders going forward.

The letter comes on the back of a number of unilateral announcements from Mr Gove about his future plans for qualifications in England.

Although the majority of education is devolved, changes to GCSEs and A-levels across the border would impact on provision in Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own national body for qualifications.