Students in England taking their GCSE’s from 2025 onwards will be able to choose British Sign Language (BSL) as a subject, the Department of Education announced.
Following a 12-week consultation with parents, teachers, and the deaf and hearing communities, the curriculum for the new GCSE has been finalised and now awaiting accreditation from exams regulator Ofqual.
BSL was officially recognised as a language in the UK just last year, after the British Sign Language Act was passed.
Open to all students, the hope is that the qualification will advance inclusivity and teach an important life skill with students learning approximately 1,000 signs.
Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan said:
“It’s fantastic to see such an overwhelming amount of support across both the education sector and the deaf and hearing communities for this new GCSE.
“Studying British Sign Language can open so many doors for young people, giving pupils an understanding of how thousands of people communicate and ultimately even expanding job prospects.
“This new qualification will not only break down barriers and give young people valuable new skills, but also celebrate the history and rich culture of British Sign Language.”
