Our Bicentenary celebrations and legacy
The Deaf Academy is proud to be counting down to a major milestone – our 200th anniversary in 2026 – as the oldest Deaf school in England!
As an award-winning charity, we are planning a year of special events and activities to celebrate our incredible journey. Alongside this, we are launching a Bicentenary Legacy Fund to support future generations of young Deaf people.
Join us in honouring our rich heritage, celebrating our achievements, and looking ahead to a future where we continue to lead in Deaf education and Deaf awareness.
Celebrating the past, shaping the future
While marking this historic milestone, we shall be creating a new chapter in our charity’s history – one that builds on two centuries of empowering young Deaf people to reach their full potential.
We have never stood still. Innovation and change have brought us to where we are today – a beacon of best practice in Deaf education. Now, we look forward to creating a meaningful legacy for the next 200 years.
We cannot wait to celebrate with you – and we’d love for you to be part of it.
We rely on generous donations, sponsorship, legacies and community fundraising to achieve our far-reaching charitable goals – supporting our young Deaf students to live independently and to achieve their goals and championing greater inclusivity and equality.
How to get involved
The Deaf Academy is a registered charity that is committed to providing the best education, support and care for Deaf children and young people with additional needs. We are fortunate to receive support from a wide number of sponsors, partners and stakeholders who share our ethos and vision. With your support there is no limit to their ambitions.
There are many ways you can support our fundraising objectives, whether through donations, sponsorship, legacies or making a donation to our charity.
- Watch our video to learn from our students how you could help.
- Contact us at fundraising@thedeafacademy.ac.uk. Our friendly team are here to help and advise how your support can make the biggest difference.
200th Anniversary Events
We have an exciting line-up of Deaf-led and Deaf-focused events to mark this incredible moment. These events celebrate our history, culture, creativity, and the vibrant community that makes the Academy so special. They also help shape our legacy goals as we look to the future.
Upcoming highlights
- Saturday 25th April 2026– Deaf Awareness Day event at RAMM for families, sharing Deaf history, culture and language. (Free)
- Saturday 2nd May 2026 – Deaf Comedian John Smith performing at the Barnfield Theatre, Exeter. Organised in partnership with Exeter Northcott Theatre.
- May 2026 – Devon County Show – come and visit our stand, meet our students and staff and find out more about the Academy, our Bicentenary Appeal and Deaf culture.
- June 2026 – Deaf Rave with Troi Lee. Organised in partnership with Exeter Northcott Theatre.
- June 2026 – Exmouth Pride – Our students will celebrate our diverse community with a signed performance on stage and a stand.
- Saturday 11th July 2026 – Deaf Day, Ocean, Exmouth – showcasing Deaf support services and Deaf history and cultural exhibits. Linked with Exmouth Festival and the annual social of the Deaf Academy alumni (EDOPA, the Exeter Deaf Old Pupils’ Association).
Tickets for the Barnfield Theatre Events will be sold on their website.
(Event details will be updated regularly).
We are grateful to our sponsors and partners who have helped make this possible.
Bicentenary Legacy
This anniversary isn’t just about celebrating our past—it’s about building a future where every Deaf young person has the opportunity to thrive.
Through our Bicentenary Appeal, we’re fundraising to:
- Champion Deaf culture and heritage
- Raise awareness and promote inclusion
- Support our educational and charitable mission
Be part of it!
It’s fantastic that you want to get involved—we’re so grateful for your interest and support.
Let us know how you’d like to participate or share your ideas with us. We’d love to hear from you and show how your contribution can make the biggest impact on the lives of Deaf children and young people.
- Download our ‘How to Get Involved’ PDF
- Contact us: fundraising@thedeafacademy.ac.uk
Let’s make history – together.
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