THE decision to cancel summer exams is the 'right decision', Qualifications Wales said.

All schools are set to close in Wales on Friday and Education Minister Kirsty Williams confirmed all summer exams in 2020 will be cancelled.

Qualifications Wales has backed the 'decisive' action.

A spokesman said: "We welcome this decisive action from Welsh Government, which gives clarity for learners, parents, teachers and anyone else affected at this uncertain time.

"We agree that cancelling exams for summer 2020 is the right decision.

"We are working with Welsh Government, WJEC and fellow UK regulators to ensure that learners due to sit their GCSEs and A levels will be awarded a fair grade to recognise their work.

"We appreciate people will want to know more and will share further details as soon as we possibly can.

"This is an unprecedented situation at a time of serious and rapid public health developments. It is also an especially anxious time, particularly for anyone preparing for high stakes exams.

"We are pooling expertise and experience to protect learners in the exams system. In this extreme circumstance with widespread global disruption, there is no ideal scenario for exams which, by nature, run as carefully controlled events.

"Our priority is ensuring fairness for learners while following public health advice."