Speaking on the issue Carla Lockhart said:

“People will know that I have been championing the need for a GCSE in British Sign Language (BSL) for a number of years. This has been a goal since my time as a MLA and more recently as MP. I regularly speak with the local deaf community in my constituency and the many groups advocating on their behalf and this has been something they have been pressing for, for many years. 

It is vital that we break down barriers that some people face to full participation in all the activities of life. Deafness continues to be an obstacle for so many people to such full participation.

The key to helping people is by increasing the use of sign language right across society. The best way to enable this is to offer BSL as a GCSE within our schools.

In England as promised, the Government is looking to introduce this into schools from September 2025. They have recently launched a consultation with a view to engaging a range of stakeholders as to what should be taught as part of the curriculum. This is a very positive step forward. 

We need to see similar impetus in Northern Ireland from our own Department of Education who have already given me a commitment to progress this in parallel with England. With England looking a two year lead in time, it is important that the Department and CCEA renew their efforts so that we are not left behind.

I know there is a great desire to see GCSE BSL offered and I am pressing the Permanent Secretary in the Department to progress this work with urgency given that previous Ministers, Peter Weir and Michelle McIlveene were committed to such.”