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Labour apologises to young Ukrainian refugees after ‘pushing’ them to learn Russian
The Government has apologised to young Ukrainian refugees who were encouraged to take Russian GCSE because schools did not offer Ukrainian. It has announced a new Ukrainian GCSE, intended to let pupils study their native language and maintain a connection to their heritage.
More than 34,000 children have arrived in the UK from Ukraine since Russia’s invasion. Schools Minister Georgia Gould apologised, including to former pupil Vitalii Andronik, while 16-year-old Sofia Chonka said she had been told to study Russian after arriving in London. Exam board AQA will develop the qualification with experts, following lobbying by Ukraine’s government and community since 2024.
In short
- Labour apologised over refugees being pushed towards Russian GCSE.
- A new Ukrainian GCSE is planned for pupils in England.
- AQA will develop the qualification with language and subject experts.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A Ukrainian GCSE recognises that refugees should be able to maintain their language and cultural ties, and that schools should not leave them feeling that Russian is the only available option. The apology acknowledges the hurt some pupils experienced, while the new qualification responds to sustained requests from Ukrainian families and their government.
The case against
Schools may have suggested Russian because it was an available qualification that seemed linguistically accessible, rather than to diminish Ukrainian identity; offering a practical option can matter when pupils need exam choices soon after arriving. Developing a new GCSE also takes time and resources, so it is reasonable to weigh its educational value against other demands and ensure there will be enough teachers and pupils to sustain it.