Institute of British Sign Language surrenders Qualifications Wales recognition

iBSL is no longer a Qualifications Wales-recognised awarding body

The Institute of British Sign Language (iBSL) has surrendered its status as a Qualifications Wales-recognised awarding body. 

iBSL informed Qualifications Wales in January 2023 of its intention to surrender recognition in respect of all of its regulated qualifications. This is in view of iBSL’s decision to cease trading. The surrender will take effect from Friday 3 March 2023.  

Qualifications Wales has been working closely with iBSL to protect the interests of students. Qualifications Wales has put in place arrangements (called saving and transitional provisions) that allow iBSL to continue to issue results and certificates to students after 3 March 2023, if they have a valid entitlement, while it continues to trade. Qualifications awarded under these arrangements will remain Qualifications Wales-regulated qualifications. 

Qualifications Wales has also imposed Special Conditions on iBSL in order to protect the interests of its existing and potential students. iBSL is not permitted to register any new students to take its qualifications. Centres should not enrol any new students on courses for iBSL qualifications.  

We understand that this may cause disruption and uncertainty for students. Qualifications Wales has been in contact with iBSL’s centres to provide details of alternative regulated qualifications that students can transfer to. A full list of currently recognised awarding bodies can be found in our Directory of Awarding Bodies and regulated qualifications can be found on the QiW Database. iBSL is required to provide assistance for any students that wish to transfer to another regulated qualification. Students should contact their school, college or training provider for further information. 

iBSL currently has the following qualifications on Qualifications Wales’ QiW Database: 

iBSL also offers qualifications in England and Northern Ireland. Qualifications Wales has been working alongside the regulators in England (Ofqual) and Northern Ireland (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment Regulation ‘CCEA’) to ensure a consistent approach for students across the three countries. Please click here for further information about how this affects qualifications in England and Northern Ireland. 

When awarding bodies are considering surrendering their recognition, we stand ready to discuss the options for proceeding while ensuring students are protected.