Learn British Sign Language with Accredited BSL Courses in the South East

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sarah Sutton

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

Niamh Hunter

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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 & 6 – 2022-2024

Martin Jung

Bob is a very knowledgeable and supportive teacher with a great sense of humour and focus to detail.  The lessons are structured very well and the learning blocks are themed and hence, as in context to each other, relatively easy to learn.  Each sign is repeated several times and followed up a week later and encouraged to be used thereafter.  The group size is perfect to allow for interesting communications and a good ratio of active and passive time for each individual.

BSL Level 1 – 2023/2024

Stephanie Noakes

I am really enjoying my BSL Level 3 lessons with Bob, I am not going to lie I have found it a challenge as it has been 10 years since my level 2 qualification. However I feel as though I am gaining in confidence and learning lots of new signs and NMF, I think Bob is patient with me when I look like a rabbit in the headlights sometimes when he asks questions!  I enjoy the breakout rooms, to discuss the questions set for us the previous week and it has opened my eyes to deaf culture and history, I am particularly interested in deaf education.

BSL Level 3 – 2023/2024

Elle Root

I want to say a huge thank you for this opportunity, I am really enjoying it and always look forward to the next lesson.   Bob you are a great teacher and was very kind and welcoming to me joining the course.  The lessons I find are structured very well, I like how we are taught signs and then put into groups to use those signs in sentences.   I am looking forward to continuing this course with you and look forward to hopefully enrolling onto level 2 after completing the level 1.

BSL Level 2 – 2023/2024

Sarah Normington

I’m thoroughly enjoying classes with Bob. He’s so patient and you don’t feel silly if you get things wrong. He just shows the correct sign and it’s no problem. He is also very funny! I like the humour he incorporates.😀

BSL level 1 – 2023/2024

Georgina Simons

Since starting the course in October, I feel extremely privileged to have been chosen to learn this wonderful new language. Although not a natural signer, I am increasing confidence weekly, with the support from Bob and the rest of the students.

Learning BSL has opened my eyes to not only a new language, but to the world of the deaf community. I am now actively involved in BSL groups, have made friends at my local Deaf club, and am using my new skills to help retrain to support deaf and hearing impaired primary aged children. I feel that everyone should have an understanding of BSL, and will try my best to be an advocate and encourage others to learn. I love this new community I am part of, and want everyone to know about it!

BSL Level 1 & 2 – 2022/2024

Sign Solution – Deaf Awareness

Bob is a very engaging teacher and you can feel his enthusiasm for his teaching, great course!.  The course was informative and presented in a relaxed, friendly manner. The main message of ‘not all deaf people are the same, face the same issues, or have the same approach to communication’ was made clear, as was a broad understanding of the pros and cons of various communication methods. Breaks were appropriately scheduled, which helped with pacing and was much appreciated.   Very interesting and informative session – the 3 hours flew by!  Face to Face and Zoom

Deaf Awareness from 2018 to now

Seon Anderson

Bob McCluskey is my BSL teacher for level 6. He excels in teaching, is humble, and ensures that I understand the material well, whether it’s for lessons, assessments, or paperwork. Additionally, he motivates me to embrace challenges and develop confidence. As for Julia McCluskey, she serves as an Executive Assistant. She demonstrates exceptional responsiveness and efficiency in sorting out various tasks.

BSL Level 6 – Tutor – 2024

Hannah Anderson

Starting out, I found learning sign language with Bob quite challenging because it was all new to me. Although I had completed level 2 BSL back in 2005, it felt like a long time ago. Currently, I’m studying BSL level 6 with Bob, and I must admit, I initially felt overwhelmed. However, Bob has been incredibly supportive throughout the process. He patiently repeats concepts until I understand them and dedicates a lot of time to help me progress.  Thanks to Bob, I’ve not only improved my sign language skills but also gained valuable insights into deaf culture and learned about new criteria. Bob’s teaching has helped me polish up my BSL proficiency significantly. I’m truly grateful for his dedication and support.  I wholeheartedly recommend Bob to anyone interested in learning BSL at any level.

BSL Level 6 – 2024

Kishi Allebone (UCAS)

This course has had such an impact on my life. Im going to be honest, last year was tough and I was feeling down with both my personal life and my work life. One of the things that got me through it all seeing Bob on a Wednesday afternoon!  Things are a lot better at work now and in my personal life but still, my most enjoyable times are chatting to Bob (in sign language might I add which feels AMAZING) on a Wednesday afternoon.  I am about to start volunteering for the Gloucestershire Deaf Association, through which I have met someone who creates content for BSLBT which he has asked me to get involved in. This, along with some other connections means my future career may take me into creating content for the Deaf community so to say this course has been life changing is no exaggeration.

BSL level 1 2023/2024

Nicola Summer (Sign Solution)

I have really enjoyed learning BSL so far, it’s very hard work but rewarding.  Xena is a brilliant tutor – very engaging and patient.  Xena is easy to understand and picks up if myself or the group need further clarification.  I would highly recommend her as a tutor.Julia is always very friendly, helpful and quick to respond to any enquiries.

BSL Level 1 – 2025

Chanel Waddock

I have loved my time signing with you! I one day hope to be an interpreter so this is just the beginning I hope 😄 He was a wonderful teacher and exposes us to not only the curriculum for Level 1 but deaf culture with ease and enthusiasm which has been a highlight of my time.

BSL Level 1 – 2024-2025

Milly Meeuwissen-True (UCAS)

Bob is patient, non-judgmental, and ensures that everyone is included in our discussions. Conversations are always interesting and relevant, and we learn a variety of new signs each week at a manageable pace. The smaller group setting for our BSL Level 2 course allows plenty of time for practice, and the lessons are well-structured with clear guidance on homework. Bob is easy to understand and encourages us to continuously improve, making each session enjoyable – I look forward to our lessons every week!

BSL Level 1 & 2 2023 to 2025

Monika Krol

I am happy with my BSL education. I have already obtained BSL 2 certificate. Now I am also learning BSL 3 with Ruth and I hope to obtain the certificate. This education gives me the opportunity to work in the future. Thank you

BSL Level 2 and 3 – 2023-2025

Natalia Sliwinska

I would like to thank you for the entire BSL Level 3 course with Sarah and share my feedback:  The teaching methods were very good – everything was explained clearly and understandably.  The PowerPoint presentations were well prepared and easy to follow. Everything was shown and explained in a clear way.  I really enjoyed the group activities – we could practise together, communicate, and learn to sign in a friendly atmosphere.  Communication was fine for me – everything was clear and accessible.  I don’t feel that anything needs to be improved. I’m happy with how everything was organised.

BSL Level 1 to 3 – 2022 to 2025

Stephanie Noakes

I have enjoyed my Level 4 course with Bob and feel as though I have made improvements over the last year, along with my confidence.  The lessons are fun and engaging and would recommend Bob’s classes to anyone wishing to learn.

BSL Level 3 to 4 – 2023 to 2025

Lynday Speight

I’ve come back for a second year so it can’t be that bad 🤭  The 1st group I joined for Level 6 was too big – too many on screen for it to feel effective, I am much happier now in my smaller group.   I feel that some of the questions could do with being revamped into something more current.  Overall – I wish Bob would start the interpreter training as I would stay for that too!!

BSL Level 4 & 6 – 2023-2025

AJ

So overall i can say it has been a good learning experience with Bob.  Bob is a  really good teacher, he is clear when he signs, he controls the group well and respectfully and overall I am pleased with him as a teacher!

BSL Level 4 & 6 – 2023 to 2025

Seanne Grant

I enjoy this course. I like Bob’s sense of humour and the two hours goes by very quickly.  I like the Jargon time – it gets us used to discussing and introducing new signs/words.   I like the questions that we research for the discussion, and that we get to speak about them.

BSL Level 6 – 2024-2025

Michaela Wright

I’ve really enjoyed the BSL Level 6 course so far. The weeks are well-organised, and each session is both engaging and informative. Although I was initially nervous about doing the course via Zoom, I’ve found it to be surprisingly comfortable and effective. I especially appreciate the opportunity to attend weekly sessions instead of the longer weekend sessions held monthly that other providers offer – this format has made learning much more manageable and consistent. Overall, I’m really happy with my progress and the structure of the course.

BSL Level 6 – 2024-2025

Jonathan Clarke

When I first time met Bob and discussed whether Level 3 or Level 6 could be good for me, we signed/chatted for 15 minutes, I was surprised that Bob thought I could do Level 6.  I had passed Level 2 and jumped to Level 6!  I’ve learnt a lot with Bob and he has encouraged me to work hard and with lots of research. I have also built up more confidence in myself as I gained experience and getting to know the Level 6 criteria.

BSL Level 6 – 2023-2025

Shaun Finnie

I’m loving my level one course and (assuming I’m good enough by then) fully intend to continue to level two, maybe even further.  Xena is a really good, patient teacher who explains things really well. Please pass on my thanks to her.  The only thing I would change is that I wish she’d give us homework immediately after the lesson, even if it’s only “practice what we did – here are the handouts from the lesson”.  It’s not unusual for her to send them out the day before the next lesson when I think we should have been able to use them for practice all week.  Apart from that….   wonderful!

BSL Level 1 – 2025

Emma Eden

I was recommended Bob Sign Language by someone who lives in the south of England and I, naively, presumed we’d have a southern tutor but we don’t. As I had small bits of BSL knowledge, such as some numbers, I found this very confusing and wish we’d been notified beforehand. I definitely would ask for the relevant tutor going forward.  In hindsight, I find Monday evenings very tiring too, but am super glad that I finally signed up and have made some lovely friends on my course.

BSL Level 1 – 2024-2025

Rebecca Oswin

I am enjoying the course so far.  I think that Bob is very clear in his teaching and is very funny. You are always quick to send out additional resources as required.  I find it difficult to make up scenarios on the spot, so I find that difficult sometimes. Other than that, I think the course is great.

BSL Level 1 – 2024-2025

Donna-Louise Woodfine

I’m really enjoying the course and the way Bob teaches it. Bob makes it fun and every lesson we all enjoy a good laugh and I think that’s an important part of teaching with making everyone feel connected and comfortable. Julia has been wonderful too with quick responses to any enquiry and sending the PowerPoints out in time for the lesson.

Level 6 – 2024-2025

Chantelle Dixon

Learning BSL with Nageena and Bob Sign Language has been so much fun. She makes learning enjoyable and the assessments as least stressful as possible. The mocks are stressful, but when you get to the real thing, it’s not much different to conversing with a friend really, I just hope I don’t get marks taken off for laughter haha. She’s brilliant.  Overall though, I’ve really enjoyed Level 1 and look forward to returning for level 2

Level 1 – 2024-2025

Heather Warner

I’m really enjoying the course and feel that my BSL has come a long way.

Level 2 – 2024-2025

Megan Palmer

First, I’d like to give some positive feedback about my tutor, Sarah. Sarah is a great BSL tutor and is really encouraging of all of her students. Even outside of lessons, she takes time to send practice videos in the WhatsApp group, including videos she records of herself signing vocab which I find really helpful. We also have interesting discussions about Deaf access and awareness which helps broaden my knowledge of the Deaf world – something that’s really important when learning BSL. I’ve really enjoyed having Sarah as my tutor.

Level 3 – 2024-2025

Sarah Normington

I love sign, as you know it’s so important to me. I have really enjoyed doing my level 2 and I’m def becoming more confident over time. Sarah has been extremely supportive.

Level 1 & 2 – 2023-2025

Omolara Akinwunmi

I just want to say that I am enjoying the course.   I particularly like the action stories that were given at the start of the course, I did wonder what it was for but it has been very useful to sign the different stories each week, which has helped to broaden my BSL vocabulary.

Level 2 – 2024-2025

Jane

I was nervous learning on line, however am pleased how it went.  The support from the tutor, Ruth, is excellent.  She is so supportive, patient and generous with her knowledge and skills  On zoom meant we had a real mixture of regional signs and lucky for us international signs, great learning opportunities.

Level 3 – 2024-2025

Rachel McQuillan

I have really enjoyed the level 6 course with Bob on a Wednesday evening.  At first I was apprehensive as I have only ever been to in person classes and this course is via zoom, however I adapted quite quickly and feel I have learned just as much as I would have if it were in-person. I love that there are people on my course from all different parts of the UK as this has improved my receptive skills and regional knowledge seeing different signs – you don’t get this in in-person classes. Bob is very patient and knowledgeable, he challenges us when we need it but then also supports and makes changes where suits. We are encouraged to explore the deaf community and culture outside of class and, although I have deaf family and friends, Bob’s suggestions and activities have really opened my eyes and I have learned a lot from this. You can see that Bob is very passionate about teaching BSL, ensuring that students have a full understanding in all areas and he goes out of his way to ensure students are happy throughout the course, offering time to chat or to get support. I have already recommended Bob Sign Language to people I know!

BSL Leve 6 – 2025-2026

Carla Martchbank

I have enjoyed being part of the course.  Undertaking it on Zoom is harder than in person, but Bob manages the room well, maintaining control and ensuring that everyone participates. I am glad that it is offered on Zoom, as I would not have had an opportunity to participate otherwise due to a lack of local courses or travel restrictions. Bob is a kind and encouraging tutor who presents a wide range of videos and resources to support learning.

BSL Level 6 – 2025-2026

Silva Carver

It’s been a really interesting course and a big step up from Level 2! Learning about Deaf culture and considering everyday issues from a deaf perspective has helped me with my work as a digital training developer.

BSL Level 1 to 3 – 2023 – 2026

Gart Forbes

Our tutor is Xena and I am on the BSL level 1 course. Xena is a fantastic tutor who clearly has her students best interests at heart. She has an engaging and pleasant personality, which mixed with her sense of humour, has made the classes really enjoyable.

BSL Leve 1 – 2025-2026

Victoria Garrettaz

I am currently doing level 2 with Sarah Clarke on Zoom.  Sarah is a fantastic teacher and I like her style of teaching

BSL Level 2 – 2025-2026

Julie Bousfield

I have had Level 2 lessons with Sarah this past year and she has been fantastic. She is extremely patient and clear with her explanations and if ever I have felt muddled about anything she is always willing to help me understand things or repeat explanations. Level 2 is definitely a step up from Level 1 and there are some very tricky aspects to it but I have felt at ease with asking questions. It is helpful to have the lesson’s power point sent afterwrds to consolidate my knowledge.

BSL level 1 – 2 – 2024-2026

Sue Mitchell

Xena is an excellent tutor, well prepared, clear and fun She is very supportive and helpful. She uses technology well and is able to explain in sign and back up by quickly using chat if anyone is unsure. She paces her lessons well and reinforces learning. She has explained the structure and requirements of the exams throughout the course.  She tailors her signing to suit our ability and understanding.

BSL Leve 2 – 2025-2026

Arun Mistry

Love the course, passed L1 & L2 brilliant, learning loads , getting brilliant feedback which good, but I do get told where I need to improve which I believe is good, shows me the areas where I need to grow. My teacher is Xena and the lesson are relaxed with great banter. Well worth money, and suited around mine and my teachers life.

BSL Level 1 & 3 – 2023-2026

Simon Ferrara

I am currently studying with Bob Sign Language and I could not be happier with the course.  The course is extremely well structured and each lesson is clear, engaging and easy to follow. Bob has a strong ability to keep sessions interesting while maintaining a clear focus on practical learning.  His teaching is professional, supportive and effective. I have found the course valuable and would recommend Bob Sign Language to anyone looking to develop their BSL skills.

BSL Level 4 – 2025-2026

Pedro Gonzalez- Fernandez

Xena’s Level 2 was absolutely wonderful. I really can’t think of any way that the course could’ve been any better. It showed thorough preparation, top-notch delivery and comprehensive handouts. Xena loves what she does and she does it well.

BSL 1 & 2 – 2024-2026

Callum Butcher

Your a really good nice teacher who’s patient and understanding

BSL Level 2 – 2025-2026

Thomas Burns

I currently half way through level 1 with Amanda. I started learning to support my older cousin who is Deaf. Amanda is a fantastic teacher with a great sense of humour and we cover a lot of vocabulary each week. My relationship and communication with my cousin has improved so much already and I’m already looking into level 2.

BSL Level 1 – 2025-2026

Ben Thorpe

I have been studying Level 1 BSL with Bob. I have loved every minute of learning BSL. It has been challenging but fun at the same time. Bob makes the material engaging and relatable which really helps us learn quickly. He manages to balance different levels of ability in the same group at the same time seamlessly.

BSL Level 1 – 2025-2026

William Biship

We’ve just about to finish the Level 2 BSL course with Bob McCluskey and honestly couldn’t have enjoyed it more. Doing the course weekly with my 9-year-old son was such a lovely experience, and Bob was amazing at making sure we both felt included, supported, and ready for the exams. He made learning really accessible and fun, and every class was something we looked forward to. Bob is genuinely the best teacher ever, so patient, encouraging, and brilliant at what he does. We’ve had so much fun learning together that we’re already excited for Level 3! 

BSL Level 2 – 2025-2026