Petitions/Make sign language a compulsory subject in secondary schools across England
StatusClosed
Opened10 Dec 2025
Closes10 Jun 2026
Government response
Parliamentary debateNot eligible
Milestones

The government should make sign language a compulsory and recognised subject in schools, it could be taught alongside other languages such as Spanish, French or German and should be made into a GCSE subject.

We think it is a helpful skill to have as it can be applied to everyday life, it also prevents the barrier that some people may have as they are unable to communicate with one another. Sign language is more beneficial than subjects such as Spanish or French as many people will have difficulties speaking and rely on sign language to communicate their thoughts. This could be an inclusive opportunity for children to learn the importance of BSL.

10,000
100,000

Constituency engagement ranking

James Wild
1James Wild MP
North West Norfolk
6
George Freeman
2George Freeman MP
Mid Norfolk
3
Andrew Cooper
3Andrew Cooper MP
Mid Cheshire
2
Steve Darling
4Steve Darling MP
Torbay
2
Mr Connor Rand
5Mr Connor Rand MP
Altrincham and Sale West
1
Liam Conlon
6Liam Conlon MP
Beckenham and Penge
1
Calum Miller
7Calum Miller MP
Bicester and Woodstock
1
Ruth Cadbury
8Ruth Cadbury MP
Brentford and Isleworth
1
Darren Jones
9Darren Jones MP
Bristol North West
1
Karin Smyth
10Karin Smyth MP
Bristol South
1
Make sign language a compulsory subject in secondary schools across England — Petitions