Rules for GCSE qualifications in British Sign Language
Applies to England
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
To see this information in British Sign Language (BSL) format, please watch our series of videos.
Ofqual has decided to implement all the proposed conditions, requirements and guidance. In 3 places, we have made minor changes to our wording in response to comments from respondents to our consultation. These changes improve the clarity of our regulatory documents but do not affect the substance of the requirements.
The requirements cover the following:
- the language and accessibility of the assessments
- vocabulary and grammar
- prohibiting access to dictionaries
- the use of stimulus materials
- the assessment objectives (wording and guidance)
- forms of non-exam assessment (the structure, composition and conduct of the non-exam assessments)
Feedback received
Detail of feedback received
To see this information in British Sign Language (BSL) format, please watch our series of videos.
Ofqual consulted on the detailed rules that an exam board would need to follow when designing a GCSE qualification in British Sign Language (BSL).
This document is the summary of responses to this consultation. The consultation was open for responses between 30 April 2025 and 25 June 2025.
Ofqual received 30 responses to the consultation.
The majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with Ofqual’s proposals for a range of requirements covering:
- the language and accessibility of the assessments
- vocabulary and grammar
- prohibiting access to dictionaries
- the use of stimulus materials
- the assessment objectives (wording and guidance)
- forms of non-exam assessment (the structure, composition and conduct of the non-exam assessments)
Having considered all the responses to its consultation, Ofqual has made decisions on the proposals. Ofqual’s decisions have been published at the same time as this analysis document.
Original consultation
Consultation description
To see this information in British Sign Language (BSL) format, please watch our series of videos.
Ofqual has consulted on the detailed rules that an exam board would need to follow when designing a GCSE qualification in BSL. This consultation explains and seeks views on a range of requirements that cover:
- the language and accessibility of the assessments
- vocabulary and grammar
- prohibiting access to dictionaries
- the use of stimulus materials
- the assessment objectives (wording and guidance)
- forms of non-exam assessment (the structure, composition and conduct of the non-exam assessments)
It also seeks views on the specific wording of the draft subject level conditions, requirements and guidance.
This is Ofqual’s second consultation on arrangements for the assessment of GCSEs in BSL. Interested parties might wish to view the previous consultation, as well as the Department for Education (DfE) consultation and published subject content, to put these proposals in context. These can be viewed here:
Documents
Updates to this page
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Added the analysis of consultation responses and decisions to the consultation page.
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First published.