Ofsted has rated The Deaf Academy's school for ages five to 19 'good' after an inspection in February.

The education watchdog has a four-tier rating system: inadequate, requires improvement, good, and outstanding. 

The Deaf Academy's college for ages 16 and over and its residential provision are currently rated 'requires improvement'.

Before 2020, The Deaf Academy on Douglas Avenue in Exmouth was known as the Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education and was located on Topsham Road, Exeter.

The vast majority of its students are profoundly deaf, a medical classification, and British Sign Language is their first language. Many have additional needs.

Ofsted's findings

Ofsted said in its report that The Deaf Academy, which had previously been rated as requiring improvement in 2019, is "a place of inspiration" for the pupils who attend.

It explained that pupils have often had negative experiences of education and engagement in the world around them prior to attending. One pupil described the school as "paradise".

Others agreed, saying they were in a place where they could "communicate, feel heard and visible". Pupils value the "incredibly strong" relationships with adults.

Leaders "prioritise pupils' social, emotional and mental health needs", and adults are "aspirational role models", whether they are hearing or deaf members of staff.

Everyone reportedly has high expectations of behaviour to which pupils respond "exceptionally well" and are "highly respectful of the support that staff put in place when they experience challenge".

Pupils also "do not have any concerns about bullying".

Leaders and staff are "highly ambitious" for all pupils, and have made significant changes that have had a "positive impact".

To improve, Ofsted said that although leaders have now ensured a balance between subject expertise and SEND knowledge in the development of the curriculum, there is "still work to be done to embed this to help pupils learn and remember more over time".

Moreover, leaders "need to ensure that the work started in core subject areas, such as English and mathematics, continues to strengthen and that the wider curriculum is fully established".

'We are delighted to achieve this grading' - The Deaf Academy principal

Principal Sylvan Dewing said: "We are delighted to achieve this grading from Ofsted.

"I'd like to thank every member of staff who has contributed to this achievement.

"Thanks also to our wonderful students, parents, carers and partners.

"It is a privilege to be part of the education of such remarkable young people who continue to make us proud every day."

The Deaf Academy is also turning the former convent in Long Causeway, Exmouth into a 10-bed residential and learning space for students aged between 19 and 25. It hopes to open it in September.

Click here to read the report.