Sign the petition to save Hamilton Lodge School and College in Brighton

Sign the petition here.

The deaf community reacted with sadness to the news in September that Hamilton Lodge School and College in Brighton was to close. The British Deaf Association said: “As a historic institution that has provided specialist education to Deaf students, its closure is a significant loss, particularly for Deaf children and their families who depend on such language-rich, inclusive environments.”

The charity added: “We strongly object to the closure of this school as it is a breach of article 24, therefore it is crucial for the government to explore how Hamilton Lodge can continue to serve as a BSL-rich environment for Deaf children. While we recognise the challenges involved, we urge a thorough review of alternatives that would allow this essential institution to continue its vital work.”

A petition set up to save the school has now reached nearly 10,000 signatures. The petition says:

We petition the Government to review the national availability of specialist support for deaf children who need an education in British Sign Language (BSL) and English.

The diminishing number of specialist schools, resource provisions and units for deaf children undermines their achievements, confidence and wellbeing – this is wholly unfair and unacceptable.

Specialist schools such as Hamilton Lodge School and College in Brighton are vital to deaf children and their families. Students here, the vast majority of whom also have additional needs, are taught directly in BSL.

Children thrive in an environment where they are surrounded by staff and classmates with whom they can communicate, and risk having their lives thrown into turmoil by closures.

For many, school is a second home and they now face the prospect of living hours away from home to pursue their education.

Some will have already experienced school trauma from years spent in the wrong setting at huge cost to their mental health.

Deaf children are already among the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in society. Deafness is not a learning disability and evidence shows that with the right support, a deaf child can match the achievements of their peers.

In many cases, specialist schools for the deaf are filling the gaps left by local authorities failing to cater for the needs of deaf children who use BSL in their local schools and communities.

We, the undersigned, call upon Bridget Phillipson MP (Secretary of State for Education) to review the availability of specialist provisions teaching deaf children in BSL, because all children have the right to achieve their potential.

Helen Husbands

Paul Jackson

Caroline Jackson

Justine Goddard

Nicola Gill

Nicola Norman

Chloe Thompson

Helen Brodie

Sally Wadman

Amanda Day

Christian Laguea

Michelle Matthews

Vikki Pound-Firth

Hollie Pilbeam

Neha Mehta

Samuel Tuffrey

Susan Smith

Dani Tuffrey

Sign the petition here.