Skateboarding GCSE: Wales approves the sport for school

Osian has been skateboarding since he was five

When we think of subjects we study at school maths and geography may spring to mind - but what about skateboarding?

If this is a hobby of yours and you live in Wales, you can now study it thanks to the work of one teenager.

Osian was so disappointed he couldn't do skateboarding as part of his PE course that he campaigned for change.

Now Wales has added 13 new sports to the approved list for GCSE physical education, including skateboarding.

Would you try out skateboarding at school?

When will the skateboarding GCSE be starting in Wales?

The course will be introduced from 2026.

While Osian will have already done his GCSEs by this time, he says he is happy others will get the chance to study the sport.

He said: "I am really glad that they have allowed it, because I think it's going to give a lot of opportunities to young skateboarders".

Osian began the sport at just five-years-old and now competes regularly.

He explained that being able to choose skateboarding at GCSE level allowed young skateboarders extra time and resources to craft their skills, while also boosting their school work with something they have already put a lot of effort into.

He also hopes the change will see more skateparks in Wales, which is the second UK nation to include skateboarding, behind Northern Ireland.

Sam Horler, Welsh hub and operations lead for Skateboard GB, said the inclusion of skateboarding was "long overdue".

He said: "I think it's a brilliant opportunity for people, for health, for wellbeing, for communities and it's going to be a much more fun experience doing their GCSEs as well."

Sam hopes it will help further grow the sport and encourage new learners.

It has become more and more popular thanks to the Olympics and seeing skateboarding stars like Sky Brown doing so well.

Wakeboarding is also on the list

What other sports have been added to the GCSE list in Wales?

Other sports students will be able to study include BMX racing, kickboxing, wakeboarding, archery, gymnastic tumbling and figure skating.

Lawn bowls, roller hockey and speed skating are also on there.

Kerry Jones from Qualifications Wales, the organisation that decides what subjects will be studied, said it was important to make the updated list as "engaging and inclusive as it can be".

What do you think? Are any of these sports something you'd like to study? Let us know in the comments below.