1 in 3 people in the UK are deaf, have hearing loss, or tinnitus. While many of us may not be directly affected, it's highly likely we will come across someone who has hearing loss or is deaf at some point. I have a grandparent who is very hard of hearing, and even with hearing aids in both ears, communication is incredibly difficult. We don’t really have any other way of communicating, aside from writing notes, which isn't ideal either—especially with someone over 90 who struggles to hold a pen. These days, there’s a lot of technology that can help, and I could even use my phone to transcribe what I say and show it to him. But even then, my screen and font size might be too small for him to read. His eyesight isn't great anymore either. So while I repeat myself, shouting and trying to enunciate more each time, I often think to myself how much easier it would have been if we’d both learnt Sign Language. It would have made our conversations smoother and a lot less frustrating.
I often wonder how my grandad feels when I finally get through to him. My shouting probably sounds rude and exasperated, and I can’t help but think how disheartening it must be to have every conversation go that way, especially when you're older. When I worked in the service industry, I had plenty of customers who were fully or partially deaf, and they would communicate with me through lip-reading or technology, because I didn’t know how to sign. I can’t imagine I’m the only one who’s had these kind of experiences. And again, I found myself questioning: why don’t I know how to sign?

The Prevalence of British Sign Language (BSL)
Despite how many people in the UK are affected by hearing loss or deafness, BSL remains underrepresented in education. According to RNID.co.uk, the prevalence of British Sign Language is striking:
2021 Census: 22,000 people in England and Wales use British Sign Language as their primary language.
UK-wide Estimate: Approximately 25,000 people across the UK use sign language as their main language.
The British Deaf Association estimates that around 151,000 people in the UK use BSL (87,000 of whom are deaf).
2022 Census: In Scotland alone, 117,300 people report being able to use BSL, a significant portion of the population.
Despite these statistics, BSL remains underrepresented in UK education systems. It is clear that teaching British Sign Language in schools could significantly enhance communication and inclusivity for the Deaf community.
Why Isn’t British Sign Language More Prevalent in UK Schools?
There are a few key reasons why BSL isn’t more widely taught in UK schools:
Lack of Government Support and Funding: In the UK, there’s limited government funding allocated to promoting and teaching BSL. As a result, schools often don't see it as a priority, and as a result, there are fewer resources available for training teachers or creating BSL curriculums.
Limited Awareness and Understanding: Many people in the UK still lack an understanding of the importance of sign language and how it contributes to creating a more inclusive society for the Deaf community. Without widespread awareness, there’s little demand for schools to make BSL a priority.
Curriculum Priorities and Constraints: The UK education system already has a packed curriculum, with a heavy emphasis on subjects like English, maths, and science. With limited time and resources, BSL is often seen as a "nice-to-have" rather than a necessity, which means it doesn’t make it to the top of the priority list.
Perception of Sign Language as ‘Niche’: There’s still a prevailing idea that BSL is only relevant to a small section of the population—the Deaf community—which can result in it being overlooked. Many people don’t recognise it as a universal language that could benefit everyone, not just those who are Deaf.
Teacher Shortages and Training Gaps: There is also a shortage of qualified BSL teachers. Even when teachers are available, the training programmes can be limited or costly, making it difficult for schools to offer BSLÂ as a regular part of their curriculum.
The Benefits of Learning British Sign Language in Schools
There are many advantages to teaching British Sign Language in schools. Firstly, it promotes inclusive education. It ensures that students with hearing impairments can be fully involved in class discussions, activities, and social interactions, without feeling left out. This helps create a more equal and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their hearing ability.
In addition to this, learning BSLÂ helps to raise awareness about Deaf culture. When students learn sign language, they gain insight into the experiences and challenges faced by the Deaf community. This fosters empathy and understanding, and it helps reduce any stigma surrounding deafness and hearing loss.
Another major benefit is the improvement of communication skills. BSL is a visual language, which means it encourages the use of non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language. These skills are incredibly valuable and help to enhance how we communicate with one another in all aspects of life. Learning BSL also strengthens cognitive development, as it engages the brain in different ways compared to spoken language. The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and non-verbally, is a skill that can improve any student’s social and professional relationships in the future.
Sign language as a second language
In the same way that learning a second language is emphasised in schools, British Sign Language should be treated with the same level of importance. Many European countries teach English alongside their native language from an early age, making it clear that language diversity in schools is achievable. I personally began learning English as a second language at age 6, so it seems entirely possible to introduce BSL to children at an early age.
Currently, BSL will be available as a GCSEÂ (starting from September 2025). Whilst this is a step forward, sign language is still not part of the National Curriculum and will still be optional and if the school can/ want to teach the subject.
How Can Schools Incorporate British Sign Language?
For schools to incorporate BSL, there are a few important changes that need to be made. One of the first steps would be to integrate BSLÂ into the curriculum, either as an optional subject or, ideally, as a core subject that all students are encouraged to learn. If BSLÂ were offered alongside other modern foreign languages, it would help to normalise it and make it more accessible to everyone. Introducing it at an early stage would break down communication barriers, foster inclusivity, and allow students to engage with the Deaf community in ways that they might not have before.
In addition, schools need to invest in teacher training and adequate resources. Properly trained teachers are essential to ensuring that BSL is taught effectively. Schools could partner with Deaf organisations and universities to provide teachers with the necessary skills to confidently teach BSL. Having textbooks, online materials, and access to Deaf role models would also help support students’ learning.
Finally, policy change is crucial. The government needs to recognise the importance of BSL education and include it in the National Curriculum. This would make BSL a more established subject in schools and ensure that it is taught consistently across the country. With the right support and resources, it would be possible for schools to teach BSL to all students, helping to create a more inclusive and understanding society.
Why We Need to Teach British Sign Language in Schools
Learning British Sign Language is not just beneficial for the Deaf community; it enriches the entire population. By teaching BSL in schools, we can create more inclusive environments where everyone—regardless of hearing ability—can communicate effectively. I believe that, just as we are taught traditional foreign languages, BSL should be seen as a vital tool for effective communication and cultural awareness.
Start your own journey to learn Sign Language
If you have an interest in learning sign language we have compiled some resources below to get you started. There is quite a range to select from regardless of your budget, or situation if you prefer face to face or online classes.
British-sign.co.uk have very affordable courses and resources to start learning BSL.
National Deaf Children Society has free courses for families with children aged 0-5 years old to learn signing together.
remark.co.uk hosts a free beginner class each month in London to introduce new learners to BSL. They also host courses for Foundation level up to level 6, interpreted diplomas and also hosts workshops.
signature.org.uk offers level 1 to level 6 courses and provides a map so that you can find the closes centre to your area. Additionally, the also offer deafblind communication courses and certification.