British Sign Language

New Course for September 2024 available now!

Want to learn?

British Sign Language course taught via Zoom (subject to demand)

Courses range between 30 and 50 weeks and take place via Zoom. All BSL qualifications are developed in accordance with the National Language Standards for each BSL level and the National Occupational Standards for Intercultural Working. BSL courses are fully accredited by Signature and recognised by Ofqual (the Office of the Regulator for Qualifications, Examinations and Assessments in England).

For more information and a brief outline of what you’ll learn on each BSL course, see the course pages or, enquire today using our contact page, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

The range of courses we offer includes:

As all of our courses are taught by Bob (myself) and other staff, whose native language is BSL, you’ll learn from us.

Bob Sign Language
Bob McCluskey BSL

Bob McCluskey (BA) Hons,

A1 Assessor & Qualified BSL Teacher

Bob McCluskey is profoundly deaf and has been a tutor for several years.  He runs his own successful, independent business teaching many students BSL in weekly classes.

In addition, as a qualified BSL teacher, he has taught freelance at other organisations including Brooklands College for three years, Winchester Hospital, The Guardian Newspaper, and the Financial Services Ombudsman in London to name a few.  Since 2020, he taught over 100 students at the University of Reading, who all passed with flying colours, and will be working with new students at St Mary’s University, Twickenham! 

Accredited with

Signature
Winchester Hospital
Amazon
London Marathon
Aston Villa
GlaxoSmithKline
Financial Ombudsman Service

Testimonials

Sarah Clews

I am happy with the course. I feel that Bob has addressed any concerns well and has handled the concerns of all students well. Bob is good with checking questions with signature and letting us know. I find the video clips useful at the end of the class, pausing them to discuss and check we understand, it has been great.

Level 6 – Zoom - 2020/2021

Julia Turner

I am really enjoying the course and teaching style. Bob tries to include everyone in the discussions which is great for both productive and receptive.

Level 3 – Zoom - 2019/2020

Chloe Lister

I am really happy with my Level 3 course. Bob is an excellent teacher who clearly cares about his students succeeding. Bob delivers engaging, well prepared lessons, and teaches in a clear way. Bob gives constructive feedback to help me learn as I go along, and lots of opportunity for exam preparation.

BSL Level 3 - Zoom - 2018/2019

Daniela Galova

I was really happy with Bob. His approach was really relaxed, friendly and he explained everything very clearly and simple. I would welcome more new signs to learn maybe a list of 20 signs every week to improve my skills even better.

Tutorial 1 - Zoom - 1 2021/2022

Claire Smart

I am happy with all my lessons with Bob. He keeps me ‘in the know’ with relevant information and we converse well. I am developing my signs as part of my job role (TOD) and feel quite happy to ask him questions if I am unsure about how deaf people may feel. I work with deaf children and need this support so I can feel more confident conversing with them and relating to them.

Tutorial 1 - Zoom - 1 2021/2022

Caroline Sturdy

Bob is a great teacher, he has made the classes really fun and interesting.  I have learnt so much from his classes and feel that my BSL has improved a great deal.  I would fully recommend Bob as a teacher and attending his classes.

BSL Level 3 2018/2019

Chery Robertson

Bob’s lessons are fantastic, he explains everything really well.  If I’m ever unsure he will explain again or in a different way until I fully understand.  Really look forward to my lessons each week as the more I learnt, the more confident I get. Great teacher, great course, highly recommended.

BSL Level 3 2019/2020

Briony King

Bob was friendly and happy to go at a slower pace for those of us just starting off with no Makaton
experience. Photo images when learning new vocab I found helpful – had no worries about the
exam.

BSL Level 1 to 6 - 2019 to 2022

Sarah Sutton

I have absolutely loved my BSL classes with Bob and feel I have learnt a huge amount.

BSL Level 1 and 2 - 2019/2020

Niamh Hunter

Always enjoy lessons. I like the weekly story telling where we got tested

BSL Level 1 to 3 - 2019 - 2021

Daysi Days

Bob was kind, helpful and a good teacher. He taught her some things she didn’t know eg
polish on facial expressions and multi channel signs.

BSL Level 1 - Tutor - 2021 to 2022

Zoe Hamilton

Bob is a great teacher, I learnt a lot and my BSL
significantly improved. I wish I could afford level 3!

I learnt more practicing BSL and Bob watching the
conversations really helped when I got stuck or
didn’t know a sign that I wanted to use.

BSL Level 2 - 2017/2018

Laura Merwood

At times it was challenging to learn but Bob was always patient and supportive
throughout the course. He made the lessons fun by including a variety of approaches
to teaching.

BSL Level 1 & 2 - 2017/2018

Eleanor Friery

I really enjoyed lessons with Bob, they were well set out ,
well paced and included good amounts of reviewing what we
had learnt in previous lessons. Bob included lots of
opportunities to learn about Deaf culture which I also
appreciated.

BSL Level 2 & 3 - 2018-2020

Martha Hearl

Bob is an excellent teacher.  Excellent on picking up the small details when we sign incorrectly.
Always with a smile and very encouraging. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending him for BSL lessons.

BSL Level 1 & 2 2018/2020

Kerry Hopkins

Bob is a great teacher, his lessons are always very well organised.  Since the start of the course, I have learnt lots and feel my sign language has improved.  I would definitely recommend Bob

BSL Level 3 - Zoom - 2018/2019

Gary Del Bono

Bob’s classes have been the highlight of my week for the past four years.  During my level 6 studies, I have learnt an incredible amount thanks to Bob.  His teaching style is great and engaging and is always set out in such a way that I feel I am learning without realising.  Thank you Bob!

BSL level 1 to 6 - 2018 - 2021

Wendy Rose

I have now completed 3 years of BSL and can’t wait to start the third.   Bob is a very encouraging teacher and the lessons are always fun and we learn such a lot.   The course has given me so much confidence and am loving learning a wonderful new skill.

BSL Level 1 to 3 - 2017-2020

Mirela

I have really enjoyed the Level 2 BSL Course. The lessons provided by Bob were always delivered clearly, professionally and with patience. There were also many funny stories to be told and it was nice to meet the people in our group. The paperwork was always emailed in advance of the lessons, and was easy to access. I felt well prepared for the exams and would recommend this course to anyone looking to further develop their signing skills and communication with the deaf community.

Level 2 2022-2023

Leonie Burrows

I think if I was to compare my BSL today to a year ago it has improved a lot and I have really enjoyed the topics, partly because I can relate them to my grandparents. I really wish they were alive now – I would have hundreds of questions to ask them.

Level 3 – 2022-2023

Sarah Polack

Studying Level 2 has given me the confidence to now work within a deaf school. I also helped students prepare for their Level 2 exams, something that I would not have thought possible a year ago.  I have already recommended Bob to two other individuals. I like his way of teaching. He is very patient and understanding. I was quite nervous but Bob puts you at ease.

Level 2 – 2022-2023

Ojaih Willow

The weekly homework tasks to build up a folder of research were really helpful. So were the practice presentations.  The group size was good.  The time of the class worked well for me.

Level 3 – 2022-2023

AMA

The training with Bob was fantastic – really engaging and entertaining delivery. The historical context and information on BSL and deaf culture in our first session was fascinating and gave us a great grounding ahead of learning to sign.  The group exercises were really accessible and worked well even over Zoom. I’ve really valued the sessions so far and am looking forward to continue to learn and practice BSL.

Deaf Awareness – July 2023

Julie Every

I enjoyed learning BSL level 4 with Bob and my class on Zoom.  It was well organised and easy to communicate with Bob about exams and the course.  The other people in the class were lovely and it was interesting watching different signers from around the country and sharing our views. We supported each other and Bob made it fun and with his sarcasm and humour, you will have great time on this course.  I highly recommend.  So much so I am now on his course learning BSL level 6.

Level 4 – 2022-2023