Ofqual announces rules for British Sign Language GCSE
Ofqual has announced the rules for assessing the new GCSE in British Sign Language (BSL), and at Inspire EHC, we are genuinely excited. This isn’t just another qualification, it’s recognition of a language, a culture, and a community that has long been overlooked in mainstream education.
What we like most is how the rules were shaped: through consultation and collaboration with deaf organisations, specialists, and people who use BSL every day. Listening to the community and designing with real experience in mind is exactly how inclusive change should happen.
The GCSE will focus on key skills: understanding BSL, signing accurately, interacting confidently, and learning about the history behind the language. Importantly, it aims to work for both new learners and students who use BSL as their first language. That balance matters, it ensures fairness and opens doors for all.
The next stage is for exam boards to design their versions of the course, which will then go through accreditation. For us, this marks a moment of real progress. Better communication brings people together (in classrooms, in workplaces, and in everyday life).
We’ll be following developments closely and supporting schools and families as this exciting new qualification becomes a reality.
