The new GCSE will provide pupils with the opportunity to learn how to effectively communicate using British Sign Language.
The new British Sign Language GCSE subject content was published on 21 December, meaning pupils across the UK will soon be able to take the language as a GCSE.
Parents, teachers and organisations from deaf and hearing communities have provided overwhelmingly positive support for the introduction of the BSL GCSE, following a 12-week public consultation.
The GCSE, which aims to have exam board syllabuses approved from September 2025, will teach students to communicate effectively using BSL and provide an understanding of the history of BSL in the UK.
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.”
Chief Executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society, Susan Daniels OBE said:
“After more than a decade of campaigning for a GCSE in BSL, we’re delighted we now have the finalised course content published. 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…”
You can see a timeline of the National Deaf Children’s Society ‘Right to Sign’ campaign so far here: https://www.ndcs.org.uk/get-involved/campaigning/right-to-sign-campaign/right-to-sign-campaign-timeline/
Lollipop invite you to take a stand for deaf children by joining the NDCS’s network of over 10,000 people who passionately believe that every deaf child should have the same opportunities as their hearing peers – in education, healthcare and social life.
