Closed petition: Introduce British Sign Language (BSL) to all primary school children

Closed on 7 May 2026

Use digital platforms to introduce BSL to all children within primary schools. Studies suggest sign-language use improves spelling, reading and language skills for all. It promotes inclusion of hearing-impaired children, supporting better educational, employment, and mental health outcomes.

Isolation, loneliness and reduced life-chances can result from the communication barriers that hearing and speech impairment present.  One study found a deaf-attainment gap of 17.5 months at GCSE, and points to parallels with socially disadvantaged children. Using digital BSL platforms in primary schools, could transform the lives of those with hearing and speech impairment. It could help the estimated 18 million people with hearing impairments to remain employed in a more BSL-aware population.