Signs of change

British Sign Language will be available as a GCSE from 2025. What are the possible impacts and what changes can we expect to see next? Words: Katie Scott

Truly memorable television moments are rare. But Strictly Come Dancing, week eight of series 19, is one that delivered. As deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis twirled into partner Giovanni Pernice, they were accompanied by the beat of...

silence. Bolstered by increased representation on UK shows (deaf and hearing-impaired participants have also appeared on recent series of The Great British Bake Off, Love Island and The Traitors), British Sign Language (BSL) users now have more reasons to celebrate.

In 2022, the language gained legal recognition in England, Scotland and Wales. And finally, momentum has filtered through to mainstream education as, from 2025, students will have the chance to take a GCSE in BSL.

 

The good and the bad 

Pupils at the Blanche Nevile School for Deaf Children are elated about the news. "They've asked if they can start the GCSE now," says deputy head Laila Doobeh. "It's a really positive step for us."