Update on BSL GCSE and CPD Courses for Teachers

In preparation for the upcoming BSL GCSE, the Deafness Cognition and Language (DCAL) Research Centre had been working with the Institute of Education at UCL to develop a programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses to upskill those interested in teaching BSL in secondary schools. Courses were aimed at 1) deaf BSL teachers who are currently or not yet working in schools, and/or 2) deaf secondary school teachers who are fluent in BSL but have not taught it before. Topics included:

• BSL GCSE Course Content for Teachers

• BSL Linguistics for Teachers

• Language Learning in Multilingual Context for Teachers

• Teaching in Secondary Schools

Given that, as of early 2026, there is unfortunately still no awarding body for the BSL GCSE, we have decided to postpone the delivery of the “BSL GCSE Course Content for Teachers” CPD course. We will however still offer the remaining three CPD courses as planned, as these will still be very useful for deaf teachers wishing to upskill and/or gain new knowledge in these areas. The course “Teaching in Secondary Schools” will now additionally include information on teaching in primary schools as well.

We are proud to launch the first of these CPD courses: BSL Linguistics for Teachers.  

BSL Linguistics for Teachers

• Mondays 5-7pm: 23 February - 23 March 2026

• COST: £499

• University College London, main campus

• Registration deadline: 12 February 2026
  • Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

This course on BSL Linguistics, taught by leading experts in BSL linguistics, provides an up-to-date introduction to the scientific study of British Sign Language – how it is structured, how it is used, how it varies and how it changes. Focus is on current understanding of how BSL works, based on the latest research. 

Participants must be:

• deaf BSL signers, AND

• any of the following:

  • qualified teachers (including those with FE teaching qualifications and qualified teachers of the deaf)

  • working toward teaching qualifications

  • have some relevant teaching experience (with children or adults)

  • currently working with deaf children

• If you are unsure whether you meet these requirements, please email us to check. (Contact using the title ‘GCSE-BSL-Linguistics’ in the subject line: dcal@ucl.ac.uk) 

The course will be delivered by deaf and hearing sign linguists, exclusively in BSL (there will be no interpretation into English). 

For more information and to register, visit the UCL Online Store to register and pay for the BSL Linguistics for Teachers course.

Stay tuned for information about the courses on “Language Learning in Multilingual Context for Teachers” and “Teaching in Primary and Secondary Schools”.