Proud history.
Bright future.
Doncaster School for the Deaf is one of the UK’s oldest and most respected schools for deaf children, and one of the few specialist deaf schools in the country. Since 1829, we’ve been providing outstanding education for deaf pupils aged 4 to 19, helping every child to communicate with confidence, achieve their goals, and build a strong sense of identity and belonging.
Every deaf child deserves the same opportunities as any other – to learn, to be understood and to succeed. We exist to remove barriers, celebrate Deaf culture and language, and give our pupils the tools and confidence to shape their own futures.
We believe deafness is not a limitation
We see deafness as a difference that brings strength, community and pride. Our role is to make sure every pupil is seen, supported and stretched to achieve their full potential.
We offer a complete education pathway for deaf children and young people, from early years through to age 19. Our highly skilled teachers and specialist support teams – Speech and Language Therapy, Audiology, Occupational Therapy and Communication & Language specialists – all work together to create a language-rich environment built around visual communication and British Sign Language (BSL).
For pupils who live too far to travel daily, our residential home – Dickson House – provides a safe, nurturing place to learn independence and wellbeing alongside education.
Our vision
To be the national leader in deaf education and care, achieving outstanding outcomes that improve children’s lives.
Our mission
To provide outstanding specialist education and care for deaf children and young people. To work in partnership with families, local authorities and the wider community. To ensure every pupil develops the skills, independence and confidence to move on to further education, training or employment.
Our values
- We lead with purpose and empower our people to go the extra mile.
- We innovate, thinking differently to create better futures.
- We are inclusive, respecting and valuing every individual.
- We pursue quality, improving continuously in all we do.
- We show perseverance, meeting challenges with a can-do attitude.
- We nurture a positive culture, grounded in honesty, accountability and togetherness.
- Deafness is not a barrier to learning or success.
- Every child has the right to communicate, be understood and belong.
- BSL and English are both valued languages that enable learning and expression.
- A positive sense of deaf identity is key to wellbeing and achievement.
- Families are vital partners in every child’s education.
- Early intervention and specialist support make lifelong differences.
- Strong partnerships between deaf and hearing communities enrich everyone’s lives.
- Literacy, numeracy and technology are essential skills for the future.
- Every pupil deserves access to the best possible teaching, equipment and care.
Founded in 1829, Doncaster School for the Deaf has a proud history of inclusion, care and innovation.
From its early beginnings as the Yorkshire Residential School for the Deaf, it has grown into a modern, forward-looking community — part of the Carr Fenton Foundation, which continues to champion specialist education and support for deaf and disabled young people.