From September 2025, the government has announced the inclusion of British Sign Language (BSL) as a GCSE subject in England, emphasizing its significance as a valuable life skill and a means of fostering inclusivity. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan expressed optimism about the positive impact this move would have on young people, describing it as an opportunity to “open so many doors.”
To ensure the quality of the syllabus, the exams regulator Ofqual will review and accredit it before introducing it in schools and colleges. The curriculum’s finalization followed a 12-week public consultation that sought input from parents, teachers, and representatives from both the deaf and hearing communities. The British Sign Language Act officially recognized BSL as a language in the UK last year.
Susan Daniels
Susan Daniels, the Chief Executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society, expressed her delight over the publication of the course content after a decade-long campaign. She emphasized that the GCSE would not only provide a platform to learn about 1,000 signs but also celebrate the “rich culture and history of British Sign Language.”
The government’s decision to consider introducing a BSL GCSE originated from the advocacy of 17-year-old Daniel Jillings, who is profoundly deaf. Born without a cochlea, rendering him unable to use hearing aids or cochlear implants, Daniel initiated the campaign at the age of 12. He views the introduction of the GCSE as a “significant moment in the history of the British deaf community” and a crucial step towards equality.
Although Daniel won’t personally benefit from this GCSE, he hopes that it will contribute to reducing the isolation felt by deaf students in schools. Speaking at a parliamentary reception earlier this year, he emphasized the importance of deaf awareness and specialized education support for young deaf individuals.
The British Deaf Association estimates that approximately 151,000 people in the UK use BSL, with 87,000 being deaf. Arran Masterman, from the National Deaf Children’s Society, views this development as a “momentous step forward” that will prevent the deaf community, especially children and young people, from being left behind. Describing BSL as a “fun, engaging language to learn,” Masterman believes that the inclusion of BSL as a GCSE will contribute to ensuring the broader awareness of the deaf community among hearing students.
