The BCLTS is an academic organization whose full members and associate members represent teachers of Chinese in higher education institutions and other sectors. Its main objective is to improve the teaching of the Chinese language in Britain by means of exchange ideas, information and materials in Chinese learning, teaching and research.

The BCLTS was founded in 1997 in Oxford. Its members have been playing an increasingly important role in teaching Chinese language in British universities where Chinese is offered as degree and as an optional course.