Below is our BSL Knowledge Centre. Find the answer in our FAQs below:
1. Do I need to know any BSL before buying BSL Basics or Level 1 course?
2. Where are the BSL sessions held?
4. How many people are in a class?
5. What do you learn on the course?
6. How do I book the tutorial on the BSL Basics course?
7. When does Level1/level 2/Level 3 start?
8. Are assessment fees included in the course fees?
9. Can I pay fees on a monthly basis?
10. How many assessments are there?
1. Do I need to know any BSL before buying Basics or Level 1 course?
The simple answer is ‘no’. No prior knowledge of BSL is necessary. The online materials are designed to help you gain the basic building blocks of BSL in addition to learning from qualified tutors. Our tutors have a wealth of knowledge and experience and are able to teach complete beginners. The tutors use a range of teaching methods including interactive games and activities so you learn while having fun.
2. Where are the BSL sessions held?
*During Covid, our live sessions are on Zoom. Sessions are weekly with other students. Some sessions will be one to one, particularly if you need additional coaching or you are practising for an assessment. Class sizes are smaller due to the nature of remote learning.
Our classes are usually held at Broughton Pavilion or Oakgrove School. The venue for classes will depend on the number of learners attending a course.
3. Are the tutors deaf?
Yes, all our tutors are native sign language users, hold teaching qualifications and use sign language in their daily lives.
4. How many people are in a class?
We only allow for 12 – 14 learners in each class. This allows the tutors to have time for individual attention and guidance if it is needed. There is a maximum of 6 learners for live online sessions.
5. What do you learn on the course?
Each course supports your sign language development from beginner to fluent. The summary of what is covered is available on each course page:
BSL Level 6 ….coming soon
6. How do I book the tutorial on the BSL Basics course?
When you have completed the course materials, you can contact the office via our contact page and we will arrange your live tutorial sessions at a time convenient to you and your tutor.
7. When does Level 1/level 2/Level 3 start?
You can access our online courses at any time and you can work through the materials at your own pace. You have the opportunity to upgrade within the online courses so you can join live sessions.
You need to do the live sessions in addition to going through the online materials in order to achieve a nationally-recognised qualification.
Our classroom-based accredited courses tend to follow the academic year so there are term time breaks (the breaks vary depending on the course you attend). All our accredited courses start in September with the exception of our Level 1 courses which run in September and January.
8. Are assessment fees included in the course fees?
Assessment fees are included for Level 1 and Level 2. We do not include assessment fees in the higher courses as students are not always able to take assessments when a course finishes. If you decide that you want to achieve the qualification, then we will arrange the assessments for you. Registering learners for assessments involves a lot of administrative work for us, so additional fees are charged for assessment preparation (practice sessions and mock assessments), assessment fees and the administrative costs required to help you achieve a nationally recognised qualification.
9. Can I pay fees on a monthly basis?
Yes, you have the option of paying monthly or as one payment. A 10% discount is available for those who make a single bacs payment. A loyalty discount is also available for your second course with us. You will need to agree to the training terms and conditions when commencing one of our courses.
Monthly payments terms are:
Level 1: £100 x 4 months: Direct debit
Level 2: £119 x 5 months: Direct debit
Level 3: £150 x 6 months: Direct debit
10. How many assessments are there?
The table below outlines the actual costs involved when setting up assessments. Many students are not aware of the hidden costs and often question why BSL courses are so ‘expensive’. However, it is important to explain that there are many hidden costs including the time needed to register students, process assessment requests and administer the exams. We have included the cost of assessments for Level 1 and Level 2 if you have completed a course elsewhere and you are only completing the exams. Assessments can be paid on a monthly basis once payments for the initial course have been completed.
| Qualification | Awarding body | Number of assessments | Type of assessment | Costs: |
| BSL Level 1 | Signature | 3 | Receptive Presentation Conversation | £99 assessment fees + 10% qualification registration fee £21 + £50 admin costs =£170 |
| iBSL | 3 | Receptive Presentation Conversation | £99 assessment fees + 10% qualification registration fee £19 + £50 admin costs = £168 | |
| BSL Level 2 | Signature | 3 | Receptive Presentation Conversation | £149 assessment fees + 10% qualification registration fee £21 + £50 admin = £230 |
| iBSL | 4 | Receptive Presentation Conversation External (Group) | £132+ 10% qualification registration fee £19 + £42 EE visit + £70 admin = £263 | |
| BSL level 3 | Signature | 3 | Receptive Presentation Conversation | £150 assessment + 10% qualification registration fee £19 + £70 admin = £239 |
| iBSL | 5 | Receptive Presentation Conversation External (Group) Written paper | £150 assessment + 10% qualification registration fee £19 + £42 EE visit +£70 admin = £281 |
11. How long does it take to get assessment results?
When you complete your assessment, we have 7 days to provisionally assess, mark and then upload your clips to the awarding body (with corresponding paperwork). Both Signature and iBSL can take up to 6 weeks to advise us of your results. *Please be aware that various issues such as national holidays, postal issues (lockdowns) can affect timelines so results and certificates can sometimes be delayed*
12. How long does it take to get certificates?
Certificates are usually sent out within a month of the final result. * Please read the answer above with regards to possible delays that can occur*