Deaf News: New British Sign Language GCSE heading for classrooms (BSL)

The new British Sign Language GCSE subject content has been published today, meaning pupils across the UK will soon be able to take the language as a GCSE.

Parents, teachers and organisations from the deaf and hearing communities have provided overwhelmingly positive support for the introduction of the BSL GCSE, following a 12-week public consultation.

The Department for Education say that the responses “have helped ensure the content is knowledge-rich, diverse in its teaching and challenging. Students who take this GCSE will learn to communicate effectively with other signers in work, social and academic settings and possess valuable life skills.”

With the aim to have exam board syllabuses approved from September 2025, the BSL GCSE will aim to teach students to effectively communicate using BSL and provide an understanding of the history of BSL in the UK.

Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan said: “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.”

Chief Executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society, Susan Daniels OBE said: “A GCSE in BSL is vital as it will break down barriers and celebrate the rich culture and history of British Sign Language. An incredible amount of work has been undertaken to get to this point, not least from young deaf campaigner Daniel Jillings who fought so hard for the right to study a GCSE in BSL.”

In line with all qualifications, the GCSE is open to all pupils and will be recognised and accepted in school and college performance tables.

The Department of Education says: “An internationally recognised qualification, pupils who study this will develop ways of expressing and negotiating meaning through visual spatial language, communication and visual memory skills that will be an advantage to them for the rest of their lives.”

As well as learning how to sign effectively, the GCSE will also give students an understanding of the history of sign language in the UK.

You can read the published subject content here and the consultation response here.