UK Moves Toward Introducing GCSE Ukrainian Language Exam for Diaspora Students

The United Kingdom is considering the introduction of a Ukrainian-language GCSE qualification, following high-level discussions between the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) and officials from AQA, one of the country’s major examination boards.

During the meeting, held with the support of MPs Andrew Lewin and Joe Powell, Ukrainian community leaders outlined the need for formal recognition of students who study Ukrainian in weekend and supplementary schools across the UK. Inna Grigorovych, head of the Association of Ukrainian Teachers in Great Britain, presented the case for an accredited exam that would allow young Ukrainians to gain official certification and earn UCAS points.

AQA’s director of assessment reform, Reza Schwitzer, briefed participants on how modern foreign language GCSEs are developed and the timeline required for creating a new subject. Discussions also covered potential alternative qualification routes if a full GCSE proves unfeasible in the short term.

The proposal aims to reward the growing number of students committed to maintaining their linguistic and cultural heritage, especially amid increased interest in Ukrainian language education since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The initiative follows last month’s Autumn Conference of Ukrainian educators in London, which gathered representatives from more than 30 weekend schools to address long-term challenges in diaspora education.

Further consultations with UK educational authorities are expected, with community leaders pushing for a clear pathway toward formal adoption of the exam.