Leeds is a vibrant and bustling Yorkshire city and a hub of activity, businesses, and organisations. According to the last census, 792,525 people live in the city, and there are many other towns and villages within the local reach of Leeds.
All of this means that for those who are looking to learn sign language in Leeds. There are universities, colleges, and other organisations that offer BSL courses that are flexible and can suit your needs.
Some people incorporate BSL lessons into their education (there is a big campaign to get it included in the GCSE curriculum). However, this isn’t always an option and it is down to people to find adult education or even private sign language classes in Leeds if they want to learn.
Sign Language Lessons in Leeds
Finding sign language classes in the UK is relatively straightforward compared to some places. In Leeds, there are several organisations that offer opportunities for individuals to learn British Sign Language (BSL) and become better at deaf communication. Whether someone is a complete beginner or looking to advance their existing skills and even become a BSL interpreter, there are various options available to suit different learning preferences and schedules.
Leeds City College
Leeds City College is one of the largest further education colleges in the region, offering a range of courses and training programs, including BSL courses.
The college provides accredited BSL qualifications, such as the Level 1 Award in British Sign Language and the Level 2 Certificate in British Sign Language.
These courses are designed to equip learners with essential BSL skills, including vocabulary, grammar, and conversational fluency. Classes are delivered by experienced BSL instructors and cover various topics related to deaf culture and communication.
Keep in mind the fact that some of the courses are adult-only, and this means that you may need to be 19 years of age or older if you wish to attend one of the sign language courses that Leeds City College has to offer. It is commutable so can provide an option for people from nearby towns and cities, just like the option to learn sign language in nearby Manchester.
One example of the courses they offer is (AEB) British Sign Language Award Level 1. This course takes place over 20 weeks and has a cost of £225 and a separate exam fee.
According to their site:
“You will gain the basic skills and confidence in production and reception of British Sign Language.”
Signature
Signature is a leading awarding body for deaf communication qualifications in the UK, offering accreditation for BSL courses delivered by various providers, including those in Leeds. Individuals interested in learning BSL can search for Signature-accredited centres in the Leeds area to find courses that meet their needs and preferences. They accredit many sign language lessons in London as well as the rest of the UK.
Signature-accredited courses adhere to rigorous standards and curriculum guidelines, ensuring that learners receive comprehensive instruction in BSL grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills. Completing a Signature-accredited course can lead to recognized BSL qualifications that are widely respected in the UK, and there are numerous places in Leeds that offer courses that are accredited by Signature (as well as some organisations just outside of Leeds).
Signature can also provide additional help for people who are looking to find funding solutions for education, as well as other forms of support. It is worth exploring the organisation if you are deaf, or if you are interested in learning BSL. Even if you don’t take one of their courses, Signature may have a lot to offer.
BSL Signability
BSL Signability is a reputable provider of British Sign Language (BSL) courses and training programs based near Leeds, with courses in places like Wakefield. They offer a range of services aimed at individuals interested in learning BSL.
Their courses typically cover essential BSL skills, including vocabulary, grammar, finger spelling, and conversational fluency. Courses may be offered in different formats, such as face-to-face classes, online learning platforms, or blended learning options combining both in-person and virtual instruction.
The organisation also offers a taster course, a great idea that helps people who are keen to get some level of experience with sign language. This short course is ideal for anyone who would like to learn sign language and includes basic communication to be able to communicate with friends, relatives and colleagues.
Prince Henry’s Grammar School
Prince Henry’s Grammar School is one of the options for people who want to learn BSL in Leeds. They offer sign language classes in Leeds to people of all ages, not just to people of an age where they’ll be attending a grammar school!
Prince Henry’s can accredit at level 1 and level 2, and provide a useful breakdown of their course structure:
| Week | Unit | Course Name | Course Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-10 | BSL Unit 101 | Introduction to BSL | Meeting people, numbers, weather, transport, directions |
| Weeks 11-20 | BSL Unit 102 | Conversational BSL | At home: people, animals and objects, numbers, interests and activities, weather |
| Weeks 21-30 | BSL Unit 103 | BSL in Everyday Life (School, College & Work) | Getting around, exchanging information, refreshments, numbers |
The school takes payment on a termly basis, and there are 30-36 weeks of lessons which take place on weeknights, before exams. There are breaks for school holidays, too. This is a pretty flexible way for people to learn. However, it is worth noting that the address of the school is in Otley, so not in central Leeds. People may need to travel in order to take the sign language classes.
Support for Deaf People in Leeds – Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People (LSDBP)
This is a charity dedicated to accessibility and helping people who have deafness or blindness.
Though they don’t directly offer sign language classes in Leeds, the organisation may be able to signpost to other tuition services, and they can help your learning in other ways, especially if you are deaf.
The charity has events such as social meetups, activities, and more, that can allow people who are deaf to meet others who are able to communicate using BSL.
The charity is a fantastic resource for people in Leeds, and while not a BSL school per se, it is worthy of inclusion on our list.
Why Learn Sign Language in Leeds?
Learning British Sign Language (BSL) in Leeds, or learning BSL in other locations like Birmingham, offers numerous benefits, both personally and professionally. Sign language should not just be something for the deaf community, it should be an option for all people to improve their skills and to make it easier for those in society who have these additional communication needs.
Here are a few top reasons why individuals may choose to learn BSL in Leeds:
- Learning BSL enables individuals to communicate effectively with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Leeds and beyond. This enhances inclusivity and fosters stronger connections.
- BSL can open up a wide range of career opportunities in Leeds and across various sectors. Many industries, including education, healthcare, customer service, and social services, value employees who can communicate in BSL, and Leeds is a hub of employment, so this can be a crucial skill.
- Proficiency in BSL can enhance educational opportunities for individuals in Leeds, whether through pursuing further studies in deaf studies, sign language interpreting, or related fields.
- Learning BSL allows individuals to engage more fully with the deaf community in Leeds, participating in events, activities, and initiatives that promote deaf awareness. If you are affected by deafness, or you are close to somebody who is affected by deafness, then this can be one of the most crucial skills that you learn in life.
Many people in the UK are of the opinion that BSL should form a bigger part of culture and that more people should understand BSL in order to help those in society who suffer from deafness.
Learning Sign Language in Leeds With Superprof
If you’re looking to learn BSL in the most flexible way possible, and with one-to-one attention, Superprof can be one of the best ways to connect with a tutor.
Learning British Sign Language (BSL) with a tutor from Superprof offers several benefits, providing individuals with personalised instruction, flexibility, and convenience. There are tutors all over the UK including in Scottish cities, people can learn sign language in Glasgow or Edinburgh.
Superprof tutors offer flexible scheduling options, allowing learners to schedule lessons at times that are convenient for them. Whether learners prefer daytime sessions, evening classes, or weekend lessons, Superprof tutors can accommodate their schedules, making BSL learning accessible and adaptable to busy lifestyles.
Learning BSL with a Superprof tutor offers the convenience of learning from the comfort of one's own home or preferred location, with many tutors serving the Leeds area and allowing people to take sign language lessons in Leeds in a way to suit them.
Whether you want support with passing a BSL course or qualification or you just want to be able to communicate more freely, Superprof tutors include some experienced BSL instructors with expertise in deaf communication and teaching. Ready to start your journey? Reach out via Superprof today.
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I am looking for BSL courses, can you please get back to me
Hi Momodou,
Thank you for getting in touch! If you’re looking for BSL tutors, we invite you to check out the Superprof platform. You’ll be able to review profiles of tutors in your area offering BSL courses and get in touch with them through the platform.
Best of luck!