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Admissions

Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision. We welcome enquiries from parents, carers and local authorities at any time of year, and we’re always happy to arrange a visit so you can see what makes our school special

Doncaster School for the Deaf provides specialist education for deaf children and young people aged 4 to 19, including those with additional needs. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) that identifies their specific needs and the support required.

We are a small, inclusive school where every child is known, valued and encouraged to achieve their full potential.


Admissions process

We assess each pupil individually to ensure that our provision meets their needs. Admissions can take place throughout the school year, depending on availability and suitability.

The process usually involves:

  1. Initial enquiry – by parents, carers or a local authority.
  2. Visit to the school – an opportunity to meet our staff and see our classrooms in action.
  3. Assessment period – a short stay or visit for us to understand each pupil’s communication, learning and support needs.
  4. Placement decision – made in partnership with families, local authorities and professionals to ensure the best outcome for the child.

Before admission, we also liaise with the pupil’s current school or setting to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Funding

Fees for our school are covered by the relevant local authority and the Education Funding Agency.

Parents and carers do not pay tuition fees directly.

If you are a parent or professional considering a placement, please contact us – we can help guide you through the process and answer any funding questions.

Visiting the school

The best way to understand our approach is to come and see it in action. We encourage families and local authorities to book a visit to explore our facilities, meet our staff and pupils, and experience our specialist environment first-hand.

Help and advice

Looking for free, independent advice?

The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) offers free, independent advice for families considering specialist education. You can contact their helpline at helpline@ndcs.org.uk or call 0808 800 8880.