The Amazing History of the Deaf Academy

Discover The Amazing History of the Deaf Academy – a school for deaf students that opened in 1826 and is still around today. Uncover the stories of how deaf children learnt at school throughout history, the event that banned an entire language, and how British Sign Language is now used more than ever

Written and created by our students with PaddleBoat Theatre and Illustrated by Lucy Rogers

A copy of the book is available at £10. Please email marketing@thedeafacademy.ac.uk if you are interested in purchasing a copy.

Our launch party

We launched the book and invited all students and staff from the Deaf Academy to join us, as well as friends, family, colleagues, members of the local community and other partners we work closely with.

More than 100 people attended the launch, which also included a documentary film featuring our students, directed by deaf actor and director David Ellington.

Filmed on the 13 January 2023 at the Deaf Academy, Exmouth by Christian Delve.

Exhibition at Exmouth Museum

In partnership with Exmouth Museum there is a display about our history with the book central to this exhibition. Students enjoy visiting the exhibition and being involved in meeting the local community.

We plan to promote the book further locally, as well as regionally and nationally.

Exmouth Museum with image of an horse looking out of a stable

Thanks to National Lottery Players

This project would not have been possible without Paddleboat Theatre Company, the Heritage Fund and students at the Deaf Academy.