National Deaf Children's Society comments on suspension of BSL GCSE in Wales

The National Deaf Children's Society has responded to Welsh and English media about the Senedd's announcement that the planned GCSE in BSL is to be suspended in Wales

For Welsh media:  

Susan Daniels OBE, Chief Executive at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said:  

“Deaf young people have been campaigning for a BSL GCSE for over a decade. To now be told that the Welsh Government has gone back on its word and there will no longer be a BSL GCSE in Wales is devastating.  

“It was only yesterday that Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Jane Hutt spoke of the ‘provisions’ being made by the Government to ‘promote and facilitate the use of BSL’ in Wales. It seems they’re going back on their word less than 24 hours later.   

“More people knowing and using BSL is key to breaking down the barriers some deaf young people face. There’s no question that they deserve to be able to achieve a formally recognised qualification in their own language.   

“We’ll continue to stand with deaf young people on this. We’re as determined as ever to make sure that a BSL GCSE becomes a reality in Wales and are keen to work with Qualification Wales to overcome the ‘practical challenges’ it describes.”   

For English media:   

Susan Daniels OBE, Chief Executive at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said:  

“We’re extremely disappointed with the news that it’s unlikely a BSL GCSE will be available to students in England in September 2025 as planned.   

“A campaign for the GCSE began several years ago because of the determination and passion of deaf young people themselves. It’s incredibly frustrating that they’re still waiting all these years later – and that for some, it’s now too late.  

“That said, it’s important that the GCSE is robust and credible, delivered in the right way, and meets the needs of students.  

“We continue to stand with deaf young people on this and are as determined as ever to make sure that a BSL GCSE becomes a reality, not just in England but across the UK.”