Romanian has become the second most spoken foreign language in the UK, second only to English in London, with large communities in areas such as Harrow, Enfield, and Stratford. Despite an estimated diaspora of over one million, the language lacks GCSE accreditation, leaving native-speaking students unable to take exams in their mother tongue.
The absence of a Romanian GCSE is particularly striking given the language's prevalence. Unlike Polish, which has long-established community ties and GCSE provision, Romanian speakers have faced a more challenging integration. Arriving in large numbers after 2014, when transitional restrictions were lifted, many Romanians have been cautious about advertising their presence, partly due to negative tabloid portrayals.
Sixteen-year-old Ana-Erika Tudor, a professional dancer from Northampton, is campaigning for change. 'It is part of my identity,' she said. 'I came to Britain when I was six; I spoke fluent English within four months. But I want a chance to show I can speak Romanian too.' She notes that many Romanian friends abandon their language because the lack of a GCSE makes it seem unimportant.
Dr Catherine Ames, head of Modern Languages at Grey Coat Hospital School in London, said the absence of accreditation affects status and value. 'Students from certain cultures feel they need to assimilate more quickly and hide their identity,' she explained. The lack of a GCSE exacerbates this problem, as an exam confers recognition.
Despite its Latin roots and numerical strength, no exam board has yet taken on Romanian as a GCSE subject. Campaigners argue that this omission undermines the language's value and discourages young speakers from maintaining fluency. The issue has prompted calls for action, with students like Ana-Erika preparing to speak at Westminster.
