End of year exams in Wales will be scrapped in 2021, Welsh education minister Kirsty Williams has announced.

GCSE, AS-level and A-level exams will be replaced by coursework and assessments amid ongoing disruption to schools caused by the coronavirus.

Ms Williams said the ongoing pandemic made it "impossible to guarantee a level playing field for exams to take place" and the decision "removes pressures from learners".

She said: "The well-being of learners and ensuring fairness across the system is central in our decision-making process.

"In line with the recommendations of both Qualifications Wales and the Independent Review, there will be no exams for GCSE or AS level learners next year. A-level students will also not be required to sit exams.

"We remain optimistic that the public heath situation will improve, but the primary reason for my decision is down to fairness; the time learners will spend in schools and colleges will vary hugely and, in this situation, it is impossible to guarantee a level playing field for exams to take place."

Ms Williams said universities across the UK had been consulted and had confirmed "that they are used to accepting many different types of qualifications."

"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.

"Cancelling exams provides time for teaching and learning to continue throughout the summer term, to build the knowledge, skills and confidence in our learners to progress in whatever they decide to do next."

Teacher-managed assessments will include assessments that are externally set and marked, but delivered within a classroom environment under teacher supervision.

Teachers will also have flexibility when it is best to undertake the assessments.

The Welsh Conservatives' shadow education minister Suzy Davies said it was a "shame" that A-level students in Wales would not get a chance to sit exams before heading to university.

Ms Davies said: "The critical issue for me is that assessments are externally set and externally marked. This will give them some comparability with previous years' exams and protect teachers against any accusations of unintended bias.

"It's a shame that A-level students won't get a chance to sit at least one exam. This will be the second year where sixth formers and college students won't have the experience of sitting exams when they will be competing for university places with others who have."

Downing Street said there was "no change" in relation to exams in England despite their cancellation in Wales.

Ofsted's chief inspector Amanda Spielman said schools were worried a significant number of students would not return to class for the rest of the academic year if summer exams were cancelled in England.