Deaf children who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing when Rose Ayling-Ellis was a contestant risk losing their school. 

Students at Hamilton Lodge School and College in Brighton were broadcast signing to Rose during the series, which featured an iconic silent dance. 

The EastEnders actress, who went on to win the 2022 series with her partner Giovanni Pernice, dedicated her "couple’s choice" dance to the deaf community. 

Helen Husbands relocated her family from Surrey to Hove in 2017 so that her 14-year-old daughter Isabelle could attend as a day pupil.

She said: “Staff and pupils were so buoyed by Rose’s success on Strictly. They were full of hope and optimism and it’s heartbreaking that they now face a very uncertain future.”

A message from pupils at Hamilton Lodge was broadcast on Strictly Come DancingA message from pupils at Hamilton Lodge was broadcast on Strictly Come Dancing (Image: The Argus) Hamilton Lodge Trust, which runs the school in Walpole Road, intends to close it in August 2025, citing a decline in pupil numbers.

The news was delivered to students when they returned from the summer holidays in September. 

She said: “School is a second home for students who now face the prospect of living even further 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.”

Parents are lobbying Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, to urgently review the “declining provision for deaf children who need an education delivered in British Sign Language and English”.

Their petition has so far been signed by almost 10,000 people and has the support of actress Rachel Shenton, who won an Oscar for her BSL inspired film The Silent Child.

The British Deaf Association said the closure would breach their human rights.

A spokesman said : “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 Department for Education spokesperson said: “We have made it our mission to break down barriers to opportunity and give every child the best start in life.

“The department will be working collaboratively with Hamilton Lodge, local authorities, parents and learners in order to ensure positive outcomes are achieved for their pupils in terms of transferring into suitable alternative provision.”