Young people 'believe sign language should be taught in schools'
An overwhelming majority of young people believe British Sign Language should be taught in schools, according to a new survey.
The National Deaf Children's Society surveyed more than 2,000 deaf and hearing people aged between eight and 25, finding that 97 per cent believe the discipline should be taught in school in some way, while 92 per cent think it should be offered as a GCSE.
It was also shown that 91 per cent of those polled would be interested in learning BSL themselves, with those with hearing actually more keen to receive lessons than deaf respondents. While 85 per cent of deaf people said they wanted to learn more sign language, the percentage rose to 94 per cent among those with unimpaired hearing.
When asked about their reasons for wanting to learn BSL, some cited concerns pertaining to social inclusion and awareness of deaf issues, while others said learning the subject would enhance their employability and communication skills.
It was also argued that people with low literacy skills could benefit from studying a language that does not require reading and writing, as well as those who speak English as a second language.
The publication of these survey findings coincide with the launch of the society's Right to Sign campaign, which is calling for BSL to be included on the National Curriculum.
Susan Daniels, chief executive of the National Deaf Children's Society, said: "Everyone in the UK, deaf or hearing, should have the opportunity to learn BSL - but most people miss out as it’s rarely taught in schools and private lessons are expensive.
"If we are to break down barriers to learning BSL, it must be included on the National Curriculum."
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£130 - 240 per day
Location free text
Birkenhead
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£200 - £299 per day
£300 - £399 per day
Sector
Other
Location
Merseyside
Description
SEN Teacher| BirkenheadWe are looking for a passionate SEN Teacher to join a supportive and forward-thinking team, helping students from Key Stage 2 to post-16 reach their full potential.You’ll delive
Reference
Teacher- Birkenhead
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£172.98 - 228.77 per day + benefits
Location free text
Bridgend
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Science
Location
Wales
Description
Science Teacher – Secondary School, BridgendLocation: Bridgend Start Date: September 2026 Contract Type: Full-Time Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience Potential for Permanent AppointmentTeach
Reference
662SCIBRG
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£350 - 550 per week
Location free text
Christchurch
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Sector
Primary SEN Support
Location
Dorset
Description
Teaching Assistant (TA) – Driver Preferred Location: Christchurch (BH23) & Surrounding Areas Salary: £85–£100 per day (dependent on experience and role) Job Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, Flexible Suppl
Reference
EW-8
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset PrimaryAuthor
Dorset PrimarySalary
£95 - 110 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
SEND Support
Location
Sheffield
Description
SEN Teaching Assistant We are seeking for dedicated and compassionate SEN Teaching Assistants to join our team and support pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in a nurturing and inclusive l
Reference
SEN TA - 04/06
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield SouthAuthor
Sheffield SouthSalary
£172.98 - 172.98 per day
Location free text
Cardiff
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Cardiff
Description
Primary School TeacherLocation: CardiffPay: £172.98 per dayJob Type: Permanent and fixed-term available Are you a passionate Primary Teacher looking for your next long-term opportunity in a supportive
Reference
MATA12
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Cardiff West PrimaryAuthor
Cardiff West PrimarySalary
£30k - 50k per year
Location free text
Cranborne
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Teacher
Location
Dorset
Description
**KS2 / Year 7 Teacher** Full-Time | September Start | Cranborne, DorsetTeaching Personnel are delighted to be supporting a specialist SEMH school in Cranborne with the recruitment of a dedicated and
Reference
59876985
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Dorset SENAuthor
Dorset SENSalary
£92.63 - 100.00 per day
Location free text
Barry
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Less than £100 per day
Sector
Teaching Assistant
Location
Vale of Glamorgan
Description
Are you a Teaching Assistant based in Barry, looking for a new role from September 2026? If so then please take a look below at our new and exciting long term role we are currently recruiting for!***T
Reference
TAgs1
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Cardiff West PrimaryAuthor
Cardiff West PrimarySalary
£130 - 200 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Sheffield
Description
Primary School Teacher (All Years)Are you a passionate and creative educator with a love for Primary School Teaching? We are seeking for teachers who can cover all years (EYFS - Y6) in multiple settin
Reference
Primary Teacher1
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield SouthAuthor
Sheffield SouthSalary
£150 - 200 per day
Location free text
Birmingham
Job Type
Part Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Physical Education
Location
Birmingham
Description
Female PE Teacher (Part-Time) – Birmingham | September Start Are you a passionate Female PE Teacher looking for a new opportunity this September?SupplyBank is working with one of our client secondary
Reference
FPE
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Salary
£92 - 110 per day
Location free text
Sheffield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Primary
Location
Sheffield
Description
Are you passionate about helping children grow and succeed? We are seeking for warm, caring and enthusiastic teaching assistants to join one of the multiple settings we have across Sheffield.Location:
Reference
TEACHINGASSISTANT
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Sheffield SouthAuthor
Sheffield SouthRelated posts
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Danielle shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years. She's completed an apprenticeship, managed a branch and w
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Patrick highlights a decade of his work as Teaching Personnel celebrates a milestone of 10 years.He's built relationships with schools and his own management style to successfully run a branch
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel celebrates 30 years, we hear from Senior Branch Manager, Hannah James, who reflects on her time with us these past 11 years. The impact we have on our schools and educat
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Vicky shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years.She joined as a trainee recruitment consultant and has become an
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As we celebrate 30 years of making difference, get to know Rebecca who has worked at Teaching Personnel for nearly a decade. Being able to support schools and help place the right educators
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel celebrates its 30-year anniversary, Jenny reflects on a decade of working at Teaching Personnel.From starting as a teaching assistant to overseeing multiple branches, her
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Gemma joined the Future Teachers Programme shortly after graduating. Now in a permanent teaching position, she reflects on how the programme shaped her classroom experience and supp
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Discover Ben Whittle’s role and find out about his impact within the Future Teachers Programme Read more How long have you been with Teaching Personnel and where are
Register with us
for a choice of classroom roles
Register today
Recent job