A new Ukrainian GCSE will be developed for pupils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Department for Education announced in a press release published on 4 November 2026. The qualification will be open to all pupils, but the government presents it as especially significant for Ukrainian children living in the UK, who will have a chance to maintain their home language through the education system.

According to the announcement, the GCSE will assess listening, speaking, reading and writing, as with other modern foreign language GCSEs, and will also recognise the cultural and historical contexts that shape the Ukrainian language. First teaching is expected from September 2028, with first assessments in 2029. AQA will begin the next phase of development, bringing together language and subject experts.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell said the qualification would let pupils develop language skills and celebrate Ukraine's culture and history while opening pathways to further study and employment. The announcement also cited UK support for Ukraine, including a stated further £10 billion of economic and military support, and referenced the UK-Ukraine 100-Year Partnership and a schools partnership now involving more than 300 schools across both nations. The department added that it is preparing a consultation on a revitalised curriculum.