British Sign Language (BSL) is set to become a GCSE subject in England starting September 2025, introducing students to approximately 1,000 signs with a goal to fostering inclusivity.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan underscores its significance as a life skill that can open doors for young people. The syllabus, currently under review by the exam’s regulator Ofqual, stems from a 12-week public consultation and acknowledges BSL as an official language in the UK.
The decision to introduce the BSL GCSE follows years of campaigning, with Susan Daniels, CEO of the National Deaf Children's Society, expressing delight at the culmination of this decade-long effort. She believes the GCSE will not only provide an academic understanding but also celebrate the rich culture and history embedded in British Sign Language.
According to estimates from the British Deaf Association, approximately 151,000 people in the UK use BSL, with 87,000 being deaf.
Arran Masterman from the National Deaf Children's Society sees the introduction of the BSL GCSE as a momentous step forward, making the language more accessible and engaging for learners. While Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, expresses support for the new GCSE, but cautions about potential practical constraints for schools.
