The Deaf Academy

The Deaf Academy's FE college provides a bilingual, BSL, SSE and English, community that enables deaf students to achieve their full potential, whether this be higher education or supported employment and living. Our range of courses offer each deaf student opportunities to engage in tailored programmes matched to their individual needs and aspirations.

We are not just about working hard, college life is also about our students developing into well-rounded, confident individuals who benefit from a sense of belonging in a community which shares core values, language and culture.

We offer:

• GFE (General Further Education)
• Partnered pathways with Bicton College and Exeter College
• FL (Foundation Learning)
• Student social enterprise ‘Grow Make Sell’
• Virtual Academy

An Individual Programme of Study for each student which includes:

• Core subjects: English, Maths, BSL and Citizenship
• Vocational options
• Work experience placements
• Social and emotional support programmes
• Therapeutic provision

We mainly provide education and residential care for students in the South West of England and Wales, but do offer placements to students across the UK.

Courses are taught on-site by Teachers of the Deaf where students can improve in core subjects of English, BSL, maths, IT, personal social development, employability and citizenship. On top of this students can choose from a variety of vocational courses and benefit from work experience with a range of local employers.

Students can also study at our mainstream partner colleges, fully supported by our team of CSWs (Communication Support Workers). Courses include A-Levels and BTECs in programmes such as art and design, engineering and horticulture. Students progress onto university, employment, further training, supported employment or supported living.

The ‘Grow Make Sell’ initiative is a Social Enterprise that is run by deaf people, employs deaf people and welcomes deaf volunteers. It is a strong enrichment programme that provides regular opportunities for students to explore various vocational options. All work completed through ‘Grow, Make, Sell’ is accredited through a BTEC qualification in Vocational Studies.

Those students who are resident at the academy also benefit from a 24-hour curriculum which improves students’ life skills, confidence and independence ready for adult life.

Education Staff

• teachers of the deaf
• communication support workers
• teaching assistants
• work related learning co-ordinator
• BSL instructors

On-site Therapies

• audiologist
• speech and language therapists
• occupational therapist
• physiotherapist
• clinical psychologist
• counsellors
• academy nurse

Care Staff

• residential support workers
• key workers