Royal Deaf Education Trust

Overview

Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education is described as a “place of inspiration” where pupils feel “heard” and “visible.” The report highlights “incredibly strong relationships” between staff and pupils, fostering a culture of “nurture, tolerance and respect.” Leaders are “highly ambitious” and have implemented significant changes to better meet the complex needs of deaf learners.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate “Outstanding” behaviour and attitudes, responding “exceptionally well” to high expectations and showing no concerns about bullying.
• Personal development is rated “Outstanding,” with staff acting as “aspirational role models” who encourage independence and active participation in society.
• The curriculum effectively uses British Sign Language (BSL) and deaf studies as a “fundamental part” of learning, enabling pupils to access education and develop English literacy.
• Leaders have improved staff expertise and balance, ensuring precise support for pupils’ social, emotional, and mental health needs through individualised targets.
• Sixth-form provision offers flexible pathways and work experience with “accessible employers” to prepare students for adulthood.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure the curriculum is “fully established” and coherent across all subject areas, not just core subjects like English and mathematics.
• Work is needed to embed curriculum development to help pupils “learn and remember more over time.”

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with “robust” systems for recording concerns and staff who understand procedures for keeping pupils safe.