Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ukrainian GCSE

Monday 19 January 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister acknowledges ongoing positive conversations with educators regarding Ukrainian GCSE.
  • Minister agrees that Ukrainian refugee children should not feel pressured into learning Russian.
  • Minister supports development of GCSEs in both Ukrainian and British Sign Language, working with exam boards.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Joe Powell Lab Kensington and Bayswater
Ukraine
Context

Ukrainian children, including those in the Ukrainian St Mary’s Trust with headquarters in Kensington and Bayswater, lack access to formal qualifications in their language despite being warmly welcomed. Some have to take exams in Russian which undermines their national identity.

Question

Why has the government's programme failed to recognise the impact on organisations across Bristol South? What steps she is taking to introduce a Ukrainian GCSE alongside educators and representatives from AQA exam board, who have met with Powell and others?

Answer from Georgia Gould

Grateful for all brilliant educators who have welcomed Ukrainian children; positive conversations ongoing. Delighted to meet hon. Friend and educators to support taking this forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline or concrete steps for introducing the GCSE were provided, only a willingness to discuss further.

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Q2 Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath
Ukraine Children & Families
Context

Some Ukrainians are encouraged to learn Russian as a GCSE, which can retraumatize children. There is concern that Ukrainian refugees should not feel pressured into learning Russian.

Question

Does the Minister agree with me that until a Ukrainian GCSE is rolled out, no Ukrainian refugee should feel pressured into learning Russian? Does she support this principle?

Answer from Georgia Gould

Absolutely agree that all children should choose their GCSEs, and supports development of qualifications for Ukrainian children. Right hon. Friend has written to exam boards about this.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific action or timeline was given, only agreement with the principle.

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Q3 Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood
Education Scotland
Context

The Education Committee heard from the chief regulator at Ofqual about demand for GCSEs in Ukrainian and British Sign Language. There is no legal obstacle to a new organisation delivering these subjects.

Question

Given strong demand for GCSEs in both Ukrainian and British Sign Language, what is the Minister doing to identify, encourage and equip organisations outside the four main awarding bodies to deliver these important subjects?

Answer from Georgia Gould

Support development of a British Sign Language GCSE; also support Ukrainian GCSE. Taking this up with exam boards, will continue doing so.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific steps or timeline were provided for identifying and encouraging new organisations to deliver these GCSEs.

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