BSL GCSE Could Be Introduced During This Parliament

The family of a deaf boy are celebrating after the Government backed down on its decision to delay the introduction of a GCSE in British Sign Language.

Daniel Jillings and his family had launched a legal campaign after the Department for Education said that no new GCSEs would be introduced during this parliament.

However, following submission from the family’s legal team at Irwin Mitchell, the Government has now reversed that decision and said it will consider making ‘an exception’ to its rule and look into introducing a BSL GCSE during this parliament.  

Alex Rook, is the Partner and public law expert at Irwin Mitchell who represents the family from Lowestoft, Suffolk.

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Daniel’s family has always maintained that deaf children such as Daniel should be able to achieve a GCSE in BSL – his first language.

“We are delighted that the Government has backed down from its original position as, at present, the lack of a BSL GCSE is having a major and unnecessary impact on thousands of children each year.

“It is only right that any qualification should meet rigorous testing criteria set by the Department for Education. However, this announcement is a major turning point and hopefully paves the way so children such as Daniel have access to the education they deserve.” Alex Rook - Partner

Daniel, age 12, has been campaigning so he would be able to sit an exam in BSL when he takes his GCSEs in a few years’ time.

Before its latest announcement, the Government had offered only to ‘consider a proposal’ after an unspecified ‘period of stability’ and specifically refused to agree to any new GCSE’s within this Parliament.

This prompted the family to launch a legal challenge against the decision and saw it raise thousands of pounds through an online crowdfunding appeal.

In its response to the family’s legal team at Irwin Mitchell, the Government said if proposals for a BSL GCSE met its accreditation criteria then Education Secretary, Damian Hinds MP, would “consider whether to make an exception to his general policy of not introducing new GCSEs in the interests of stability for school and teachers, in respect of BSL only.”

Mr Hinds “looks forward to continuing to work with stakeholders to promote the integration and achievement of deaf pupils,” the letter adds.

The maximum term for the current parliament will end in 2022.

Daniel’s mum, Ann Jillings, 50, added: “We are not asking for any special treatment, all we want is for Daniel and other deaf children across the country to be given the same opportunities as other pupils.

“We are so pleased that the Government finally appears to be recognising how big an issue this is and the announcement is another hurdle cleared. However, it is now important that the Department for Education acts on its pledge and works with families and sign language charities to develop a BSL GCSE so this issue can be resolved once and for all.

“We would like to thank everyone for all their messages of support. The reaction to Daniel’s campaign has been overwhelming.”

Responding to the Government’s announcement, Steve Haines, Director of Policy and Campaigns at the National Deaf Children’s Society said:

“When we started our campaign to get a GCSE in British Sign Language into schools, we were absolutely amazed by the response. 92% of deaf and hearing children said they wanted the option of taking it at GCSE.

“Because of the tireless campaigning of so many deaf children, deaf young people, their parents, and the brilliant Ann and Daniel Jillings, that dream is an important step closer to becoming a reality.

“By no longer blocking the introduction of a GCSE in British Sign Language in this Parliament, the Government is sending a powerful signal to deaf children everywhere. For so many of these children, being able to learn their first language at school is a vital move towards genuine equality.

“This campaign isn’t over yet though. The Department for Education and the exam regulator Ofqual must to do everything they can to work with exam bodies to develop this GCSE as soon as possible. For Daniel Jillings, and for so many of the 45,000 deaf children across the country who want to study a GCSE in British Sign Language, we need a proactive, positive attitude from the Government. Anything less is complete dereliction of duty.”

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