British Sign Language in the Education (Scotland) Bill
Together we did it!
After more than a year of campaigning, we’re celebrating a historic moment. The Scottish Parliament has passed the Education (Scotland) Bill 2025, which includes crucial recognition of British Sign Language (BSL).
This is a major step forward for deaf children, young people and their families. For the first time, BSL will be recognised within Scotland’s education system.
The change follows determined campaigning by a coalition of organisations – led by the National Deaf Children’s Society. It was also supported by over 500 campaigners, including deaf children, young people and their families.
The inclusion of BSL is incredible as it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves... Hopefully this will mean deaf young people no longer have to fight for access to their own language like I had to."
Niamdh Braid, deaf campaigner and teenager
What does this mean?
- BSL is now formally recognised in education legislation, supporting greater equity and inclusion.
- Qualification Scotland, the new national qualifications body, must consider the needs of pupils who use or learn in BSL.
- The new chief inspector of education will also be required to communicate in ways that meet the needs of BSL users.
- Deaf learners will now have greater access to support, resources and communication in their first language – helping to reduce the unacceptable gap in outcomes between deaf and hearing children.
This is a historic moment for deaf children, young people and their families, who realised this milestone through their tireless and incredible campaigning."
George McGowan, National Deaf Children’s Society
Thank you for helping us make history.
We couldn’t have achieved this without you. Over 500 of you signed our petition, reached out to MSPs, shared your stories and stood with us every step of the way.
This new law is a huge step towards building a more equal education system – one where BSL is recognised, supported and celebrated.
How we got here
- 4 June 2024 – Education (Scotland) Bill introduced.
- 28 October 2024 – We held a meeting with Miles Briggs MSP to discuss the importance of BSL being recognised in the Education (Scotland) Bill.
- Late October 2024 – We worked with Deaf Action to engage with the Scottish Government on BSL inclusion.
- November 2024 – A coalition of organisations formed, including the National Deaf Children’s Society, Deaf Action, British Deaf Association Scotland, RNID, DeafBlind Scotland, the ALLIANCE, University of Edinburgh and Lothian Children’s Deaf Club.
- 18 December 2024 – Stage 1 debate: MSPs agreed the Bill’s general principles.
- 26 February 2025 – The coalition met with the Education Reform team to shape proposed BSL amendments.
- 22 April 2025 – Over 500 supporters signed our petition urging MSPs to back the BSL amendments.
- 23 April 2025 – Formal amendment documentation published.
- 7 May 2025 – BSL amendments supported by Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth are unanimously approved at Stage 2, which means the changes we were calling for were accepted by MSPs and incorporated into the Bill.
- 25 June 2025 – The Scottish Parliament passed the Education (Scotland) Bill 2025, including our BSL amendments at Stage 3. It is now set to become law, pending Royal Assent.
Thank you for supporting this vital campaign.