The Deaf Academy launches countdown to its 200th anniversary!

The Deaf Academy has launched the countdown to a year of celebrations to mark its 200th anniversary, as the oldest Deaf school in England.

The launch coincides with Deaf Awareness Week, which raises awareness about the challenges faced by the Deaf community, highlights the importance of accessible communication, and encourages individuals, businesses, and organisations to take steps towards being more deaf-aware. 

Founded in 1826, the Deaf Academy charity’s exciting bicentenary plans aims to celebrate its history and Deaf culture, while also creating a legacy that further supports young Deaf people to achieve their aspirations. The plans include an innovative partnership with Exeter’s Northcott Theatre, which is also passionately committed to inclusivity and equality through the performing arts. 

The two organisations, both of which are charities and have a similar ethos, have forged a fantastic collaboration and programme of events celebrating Deaf culture, inclusion and creativity. The first of its kind in the region, the partnership will bring together people from across Devon, and beyond, to enjoy deaf-led comedy nights, theatre performances, talks, workshops and a deaf rave. The plans also include a production by Deafinitely Theatre, the UK’s first deaf-led professional theatre company. 

Sylvan Dewing, Principal and CEO at the award-winning Deaf Academy, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be approaching 200 years, in 2026, of educating and caring for young Deaf people. We shall be honouring our rich heritage with a series of events and activities, while innovatively looking ahead in our commitment to supporting our Deaf students, many of whom also have additional needs.  

“We’re delighted to partner with the Exeter Northcott to stage wonderful cultural events and performances, showcasing the talents of Deaf people and also providing important opportunities to raise Deaf awareness and for Deaf people to access culture. 

“As the oldest Deaf school in England, we are honoured to be marking 200 years of Deaf education, culture and community. This is a momentous milestone in our charity’s history, and is both an opportunity to celebrate and to create a legacy for the next exciting chapter.” 

The Academy relocated from Exeter to its state-of-the-art campus in Exmouth in 2020. It educates and cares for both day and residential students with additional needs, aged 9 to 25, helping them to develop skills for independence and to excel in the wider world. 

Part of the anniversary plans is to create a long-lasting legacy in the form of a Bicentenary Fund; fundraising for which has already begun. This Fund will further support the aspirations of Deaf young people and help overcome barriers they may face as they pursue their dreams. 

Sylvan added: “This anniversary isn’t just about honouring our past—it’s about shaping a future where every Deaf young person is empowered to thrive. As a beacon of best practice in Deaf and SEND education, we are proud to support our students as they prepare for adulthood with confidence and independence. Through our Bicentenary Appeal, we’re championing Deaf culture, raising awareness, and strengthening our educational and charitable mission. We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors and partners whose support is helping us turn this vision into reality.” 

Exeter Northcott will stage a series of deaf-friendly new shows in the forthcoming year. In a further commitment to inclusivity, for the first time, each production will have captioning available alongside audio described and BSL interpreted shows. 

Kelly Johnson, Joint Chief Executive of Exeter Northcott, said:  
‘At Exeter Northcott, we see each day how theatres can change lives and we want everyone to be able to access the same transformative opportunities. We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with the Deaf Academy and to welcome Deafinitely Theatre to Devon. They’re a game-changing company and we’re delighted to welcome bilingual theatre – for deaf and hearing audiences – onto our stage. Such partnerships with organisations that have the same inclusive values enable us to share brilliant stories with more people – and that’s exciting.’  

Further events planned by the Deaf Academy for 2026 – the year of celebrations – include: a Deaf Festival at the Academy’s Exmouth campus; Exmouth Park Run ‘takeover’ and sponsored walk; attendance at the Devon County Show, Exmouth Pride and Exmouth Festival; a Deaf Day that supports Deaf and hearing impaired people from across the region, an alumni dinner and free British Sign Language weekends for families of Deaf children. The events will culminate in a Bicentenary Fundraising Gala Dinner in the Autumnn of 2026. 

The charity relies on generous donations and fundraising for much of its far-reaching work in supporting young Deaf people to achieve their aspirations, raising Deaf awareness and championing for greater inclusivity and equality in our communities. 

For more information about the celebrations, history and how you can support the Deaf Academy or to attend the planned events, visit https://thedeafacademy.ac.uk/200th-celebration/