Skip to main content
Celebrating 200 years of Deaf education

Accepting Applications for 2026-27

Admissions

We are a unique provision in the UK, offering a specialist curriculum, teaching, support and care to Deaf young people, the majority of whom have accompanying additional needs. You can view our prospectus here. This is a fantastic place for young people to learn, develop and be part of a diverse Deaf multilingual community.  Our aim is to develop empowered, confident young people who are equipped to embark into adulthood with aspiration, skills and resilience.

Our Academy is a warm, friendly and safe place to live and study. We understand that our students are individuals, with unique needs and dreams for the future that deserve to be nurtured and encouraged. We want to ensure that every student who leaves the Academy goes out into the world confident and with the ability to communicate and achieve their goals.

We encourage our young people to explore their passions and develop a strong Deaf identity, while also supporting them to excel educationally. We were one of the first UK Deaf Schools to offer supported internships to our college students, and one of the few which offers a bilingual environment, where our students learn in both British Sign Language and English.

Please do get in touch if you have any questions or are interested in joining us here in Exmouth.

Sylvan Dewing- Principal and CEO

Our Prospectus

In 2020 the Deaf Academy opened its doors on a new site in the beautiful seaside town of Exmouth. Designed around the principles of inspiration, visual communication and inclusivity, this truly 21st century Deaf school and college places the Academy at the cutting edge of Deaf education in Europe. Take a look at our prospectus to find out more about how we help our students to thrive.

Term
Start date
Break
Restart
End date
Autumn 2026
Start date Mon 7 September
Break Fri 23 October
Restart Tue 3 November
End Date Fri 18 December
Spring 2027
Start date Tue 5 January
Break Fri 12 February
Restart Mon 22 February
End Date Thu 25 March
Summer 2027
Start date Tue 13 April
Break Fri 28 May
Restart Mon 7 June
End Date Fri 23 July
Term
Start date
Break
Restart
End date
Now Accepting Applications for 2026-27

Take our virtual tour to discover what makes us special

Virtual Tour

Latest Vacancies

Part time

Residential Care Workers – Weekends only

We are seeking 2 weekend Residential Care Workers to provide personalised weekend care support to a 16‑year‑old female who is Deaf with MSI needs and requires weekend short stay care, supported by a stable 2:1 staffing team in her own flat. The young person has alternative care during the week and attends the Deaf Academy College. This position is weekend during term time only. You will play a key role in offering meaningful respite, promoting independence and supporting her wellbeing.

Full time

Residential Care Workers

We’re seeking Residential Care Workers to join our inspiring team supporting our students (aged 9-25) to develop their independent living skills, whilst supporting their education. The role will be in either our new adult residential centre, or part of our on-site residential flats at the academy. Both are based in Exmouth, and are a couple of minutes walk from the beach.

Our Charity

The Deaf Academy is a registered charity (charity number 1124523) founded in 1826 that has a rich and long history. We are a non-maintained special school, and as such we are not maintained by the local authority. Much of our work relies on donations and the generous support of our funders and fundraisers.

Our work includes:

  • Breaking down barriers
  • Deaf awareness training
  • Creating employment opportunities within the Deaf community
  • Celebrating Deaf culture and Deaf identity
  • Family sign language days