Students to be offered Ukrainian GCSE to preserve cultural heritage

Students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be able to take a Ukrainian GCSE from 2028 as part of government plans. <p>The new qualification - which will be available to all pupils - is primarily aimed at those displaced by the full-scale <strong><a href="https://news.sky.com/topic/russia-5803/1">Russian</a></strong> invasion in 2022.</p><p>It follows reports that the number of people taking Russian GCSEs had spiked in recent years, potentially because Ukrainian pupils were encouraged to take it, in the absence of a Ukrainian qualification.</p><p><strong><a href="https://news.sky.com/topic/ukraine-6556/1">Ukrainian</a></strong> officials were reportedly "deeply concerned" in 2025 at potentially retraumatising displaced teenagers by pushing them to learn Russian.</p><widget id="3"></widget><p>Education Secretary Lucy Powell said Ukrainians and their children should have "every opportunity" to connect with their heritage.</p><p>She added the course will give pupils "the chance to develop their language skills and celebrate Ukraine's rich culture and history, while also opening pathways to future study and employment".</p><p>The qualification, designed by awarding body AQA, will assess listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.</p><p>It is expected to be available from September 2028, with the first assessments due to take place in 2029.</p><p>The government said it displays the UK's "enduring support for the Ukrainian community".</p><p><strong>More from Sky News: </strong><br /><a href="https://news.sky.com/story/boy-14-arrested-after-reports-of-bradley-lowery-taunt-at-football-match-13607431" target="_self"><strong>Boy, 14, arrested after reports of Bradley Lowery taunt</strong></a><br /><a href="https://news.sky.com/story/reform-councillor-charged-with-35-offences-including-rape-13607499" target="_self"><strong>Reform councillor charged with 35 offences</strong></a></p> <widget id="4"></widget><p>Ukrainian minister of education and science, Andrii Butenko, said: "Today marks an important milestone towards the introduction of a Ukrainian GCSE, long called for by the Ukrainian community in the UK.</p><p>"British schools opened their doors to thousands of Ukrainian children following the start of Russia's full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine, and we will always be grateful for that.</p><p>"We welcome the UK government's next step towards giving Ukrainian children a genuine choice in their education while respecting their identity."</p><p>Last week, the government announced an extra £10bn of economic and military support for Ukraine.</p>