PRESS RELEASE
Two hundred years of Deaf education are being celebrated in Devon this year, as the Deaf Academy launches an anniversary programme of events and a major new fundraising appeal.
The Exmouth-based organisation – the oldest Deaf school in England – is marking the milestone by showcasing its impact, championing Deaf culture and setting out ambitious plans for the future.
Its launch coincides with Deaf Awareness Week, which takes place from Monday, May 4.
The Deaf Academy has seen huge changes and developments in the education of young Deaf people over 200 years and today is at the cutting edge of that delivery.
As well as delivering bespoke education and care programmes to its Deaf students, the majority of whom have additional needs, the Academy supports them to develop their Deaf identity, to meet challenges faced by the Deaf community and to thrive.
It also works to highlight the importance of accessible communication, and through partnership working, encourages individuals, businesses, and organisations to take steps towards being more deaf-aware.
The Deaf Academy charity鈥檚 exciting bicentenary plans aim to celebrate its history and Deaf culture, while also creating a legacy that further supports young Deaf people to achieve their aspirations.
It has also partnered with prestigious local organisations to stage events, including three Deaf-led and Deaf-focused events with the Northcott Theatre and an exhibition at RAMM museum in Exeter.
Some of its key Deaf-led events (with British Sign Language interpreters to support Deaf and hearing audiences) for 2026 include:
- Saturday 25 April 鈥� Deaf Awareness Day event at RAMM for families, sharing Deaf history, culture and language. (Public event. Free)
- Saturday 2 May聽鈥� Deaf Comedian John Smith performing at the Barnfield Theatre, Exeter. Organised in partnership with Exeter Northcott Theatre. (Public event. (Book tickets here: )
- Friday 8 May 鈥� Bicentenary celebration at the Deaf Academy. (Private event).
- Saturday 6 June聽鈥� Deaf Rave with Troi Lee at the Barnfield Theatre, Exeter. Organised in partnership with Exeter Northcott Theatre. (Book tickets here: )
- Saturday 4聽July, cream tea fundraiser at the Bishop鈥檚 Palace gardens, Exeter (pay on the gate)
- Saturday 11 July 鈥撀燚eaf Day, Ocean, Exmouth 鈥� showcasing Deaf support services and Deaf history and cultural exhibits. (Public event. Free)
Sylvan Dewing, Principal and CEO at the award-winning Deaf Academy, said: 鈥淲e are extremely proud to have reached this significant milestone. Our young Deaf people are at the heart of everything we do, so therefore it is only right that they are at the centre of our celebrations.
鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful to the many people who support our organisation, our staff, Governors and Trustees. It is their commitment that enables us to deliver a high standard of education and support to the Deaf young people in our care.鈥�
He added: 鈥�These events celebrate our history, culture, creativity, and the vibrant community that makes the Academy so special. They also help shape our legacy聽goals as we look to the future.鈥�
The Academy relocated from Exeter to its state-of-the-art campus in Exmouth in 2020. It educates and cares for both day and residential students with additional needs, aged nine to 25, helping them to develop skills for independence and to excel in the wider world.
The Bicentenary Appeal will support the charity鈥檚 work in supporting young Deaf people to achieve their aspirations, raising Deaf awareness and championing for greater inclusivity and equality in our communities.
Sylvan added: 鈥淭hrough our Bicentenary Appeal, we are promoting Deaf culture, enhancing awareness, and reinforcing our educational and charitable goals. We have already received incredible support and are grateful for all contributions which are making this vision a reality and empowering our students to transition into adulthood with confidence and independence.鈥�
For more information about the celebrations, history and how you can support the Deaf Academy or to attend the planned events, visit
