BSL GCSE in England comes a step closer as Ofqual release final consultation feedback (BSL)

The British Sign Language (BSL) GCSE has come a step closer to becoming a reality in England, after Ofqual released their final consultation feedback on the qualification.

The qualification is now available to be developed by any GCSE approved awarding body, marking another milestone on its journey to the classroom.

Ofqual’s consultation feedback provides clarification around the rules that all exam boards will need to follow, including guidance on assessment methods, standards, and accessibility to ensure the qualification is robust and inclusive for all learners.

It follows Ofqual’s initial public consultationearlier this year and a collaborative development process between Ofqual, and subject experts, including Signature – the UK’s leading awarding body for BSL qualifications.

George Crockford, Chief Executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “Today’s announcement is a real landmark for deaf young campaigners like Daniel Jillings who have fought so hard for the right to study a GCSE in BSL for several years now. British Sign Language is a beautiful language with its own culture and history used by tens of thousands of people. It’s only fair and right that BSL users should have the opportunity to achieve a GCSE in their own, legally recognised language; as well as affording hearing learners the opportunity to learn BSL and play their part in breaking down barriers to communication.”

Mr Crockford believes the qualification will raise the profile of BSL and deafness and promote a greater understanding of the barriers deaf children face in schools. He added: “We’re determined the BSL GCSE is available for future generations to study, so that nothing holds deaf children back. This a key milestone in creating a world where anything is possible for deaf children.”

Lindsay Foster, Executive Director of Signature, said:

“Today is another exciting milestone on the journey towards a BSL GCSE. I am proud of the part we have played in getting us to where we are today, a lot of time and investment has gone into this over the last 15 years. With the support of Daniel Jillings, NDCS and others, we have managed to get us to where we are today and this feels like a significant moment. Whilst there is still a lot of work to do for Awarding Bodies, the regulatory part of the process is now complete. Signature continue with our commitment towards getting a BSL GCSE into schools as soon as possible.”

The next step is for a GCSE approved awarding body to develop a GCSE in British Sign Language.

This includes writing the full specification, creating sample exam materials, and developing teacher resources and training. When the draft GCSE is ready, it will be submitted to Ofqual for review.

Ofqual checks that everything meets national standards and that the assessments are reliable and consistent before officially accrediting the qualification.

Once accredited, the GCSE can be taught in schools. During this time, the awarding body will train teachers, publish resources, and support schools in introducing the subject.

The Department for Education and Ofqual will continue to monitor how it’s taught and assessed, collecting feedback and making improvements over time to ensure the GCSE in BSL remains high quality, inclusive, and in line with other language qualifications.

You can find the results of the consultation analysis and decisions online here: Rules for GCSE qualifications in British Sign Language – GOV.UK

You can also find the finalised Subject Level Conditions, Requirements and Guidance, which will appear on the website alongside the equivalent rules for other GCSE subjects here: GCSEs (9 to 1): requirements and guidance – GOV.UK