UK to offer Ukrainian GCSE, apologizes for prior Russian language guidance
The United Kingdom is launching a new GCSE qualification in Ukrainian, accompanied by an apology to Ukrainian child refugees who were previously encouraged to study Russian. This decision follows years of advocacy from the Ukrainian government and community groups representing over 30,000 Ukrainian children who have sought refuge in the UK since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Schools Minister Georgia Gould expressed regret for the past practice, stating, “I’m really sorry that they were put in that position.” The new qualification, developed by AQA with a £340,000 grant from the Department for Education, is slated to be available in England by 2028.
The Ukrainian government had formally requested the GCSE in a 2024 letter to the DfE, highlighting concerns that many students were being steered towards Russian due to the lack of a Ukrainian option. Gould emphasized the partnership with the Ukrainian government in establishing the qualification.
The Ukrainian language has been a key aspect of the cultural conflict with Russia, with Putin implementing bans on Ukrainian books and instruction in occupied territories. The move underscores the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Education Minister Andrii Butenko welcomed the initiative, stating it would provide Ukrainian refugee children with an equal opportunity to study their native language.
Vitalii Andronik, 20, who was previously advised to pursue a Russian GCSE as a 15-year-old refugee, acknowledged the apology and the new qualification. He stated, “It’s too late to me, but I want future generations of refugees to study Ukrainian.”
Sofiia Chonka, 16, who fled from Zakarpattia in June 2024, shared her experience of being asked to study Russian in year 9, which she declined. She expressed her excitement for the new exam, stating, “It’s such a beautiful thing to be speaking Ukrainian when the Russians are trying to mute you.”
Inna Hryhorovych, head of St Mary’s Trust, who has campaigned for a Ukrainian GCSE since 2014, expressed relief at the progress. The Trust operates a network of 13 Ukrainian-language schools in the UK, including St Mary’s school in west London.
While initially hesitant due to the smaller student cohort, the exam board AQA agreed to develop the qualification. Gould encouraged British students to enroll in the GCSE as a gesture of solidarity, even suggesting tutoring opportunities for Ukrainian students.
Source
“UK apologises to Ukrainian child refugees who were told to study Russian”
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