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Every child learns best when they can understand and be understood. At Doncaster School for the Deaf, we provide a language-rich education built around visual communication, British Sign Language (BSL) and deaf culture. Here, deaf children and young people learn, play and grow in an environment designed for them, supported by teachers and specialists who understand deafness inside and out.
Deaf education is more than teaching – it’s creating the right environment for language, identity and confidence to develop. We believe that deafness is not a barrier to learning. Our role is to remove barriers, celebrate communication in all its forms, and help every pupil reach their full potential.
We teach through each child’s preferred language, whether that’s BSL, Sign Supported English, spoken English or a combination. In every classroom, you’ll find visual support, technology that enhances hearing and communication, and a community where everyone belongs.
Our goal is that every young person leaves us confident, capable and proud of who they are.
Emma Smith, Careers Leader
Our curriculum is designed for deaf learners from the ground up. It includes all the core subjects you’d expect, taught by qualified Teachers of the Deaf, but it also goes further — embedding Deaf Studies, deaf history, deaf role models, and visual learning strategies into everyday life.
Pupils learn about deaf identity and culture, communication and advocacy, and the proud history of the deaf community – developing a strong sense of who they are and how they can shape their world.
Early Intervention and Development
Language starts early – and so does our support. Our growing early years provision helps families from the very beginning of their child’s journey, giving deaf children the best possible start in communication and learning.
Through early assessment, tailored teaching and family guidance, we ensure that every child builds a strong foundation for language, literacy and social development. We also work closely with local authorities, health professionals and families to make early intervention seamless and effective.
Every pupil benefits from a fully integrated support team on site. Our teachers, therapists and communication professionals work side by side, sharing expertise and tailoring their support to each child’s needs.
Deaf education works best when everyone’s involved. We build close partnerships between pupils, families, teachers, therapists, audiologists and the wider Deaf community, ensuring every child feels understood, supported and ready to achieve.
Speech & Language Therapy
Our therapists help pupils develop the communication skills that work best for them –using speech, sign or both. Therapy may happen one-to-one, in small groups or right inside the classroom. Sessions focus on listening skills, vocabulary, confidence, emotional literacy and social communication. We also use creative approaches like SMILE Therapy, LEGO Therapy and Language for Thinking to build communication and social understanding in fun, practical ways.
Audiology
Our full-time Audiologist ensures every pupil has access to the best hearing technology. Regular testing, hearing aid and cochlear implant support, and close links with NHS audiology and implant centres mean pupils always have the equipment they need to learn confidently. We also maintain our own stock of spare parts, so learning is never interrupted by technical issues.
Occupational Therapy
Our Occupational Therapist supports pupils to build the physical and sensory skills they need for learning and daily life — from handwriting and balance to self-care and emotional regulation. Therapy is practical and hands-on, with sessions happening both in the classroom and in specialist spaces. Support may include sensory activities, fine and gross motor work, or specialist equipment to help each child succeed.
Communication & Language Support
Our Communication Support Workers and Teaching Assistants help pupils access lessons, develop language and grow in confidence. They work alongside teachers and therapists to model visual communication strategies and support both BSL and spoken English across the school.
Our school combines modern classrooms, specialist spaces and a calm, welcoming atmosphere – all designed to help deaf children learn, communicate and feel at home. From nursery to Year 11, every part of our campus is built around language, accessibility and inclusion.
Learning Spaces
Our bright, modern classrooms use the latest technology and visual learning tools, including interactive whiteboards and subtitles. Specialist rooms include:
- Science laboratory
- Design & Technology workshop
- ICT suites
- Food technology kitchen
- Art and photography studios
- Sports hall and stage hall
All teaching areas are designed to be light, spacious and acoustically optimised for deaf learners.
Acoustics and Technology
We make sure our learning environments are suitable for pupils with hearing loss. Every classroom has assistive listening devices to help pupils access clear sound, and our main hall includes a soundfield amplification system to ensure even sound distribution.
Outdoor and Sports Facilities
Our pupils enjoy access to extensive outdoor space, including:
- A full sports centre and gym
- Six acres of playing fields
- Tennis and football pitches
- Hard courts for netball and other games
- Forest School for early years
- Separate play areas for primary and secondary pupils
Outdoor play and physical activity are important parts of our school life – helping pupils develop confidence, teamwork and wellbeing.
Dining and Social Spaces
Our dining room and adjoining annex serve a full range of healthy, freshly prepared meals, with space for pupils to eat together and socialise. We also have comfortable indoor and outdoor areas where pupils can relax, chat and play during breaks, all with visual safety and communication access in mind.
Staff and Support
The greatest strength of our school is our people. Many of our staff are fluent or native BSL users, and all are supported to achieve Level 3–6 BSL training.
Our team includes:
- Qualified Teachers of the Deaf
- Specialist Learning Support Assistants
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Occupational Therapist
Audiologist - Deaf role models
This high staff-to-pupil ratio ensures that every learner receives the attention, care and communication support they need to thrive.
Residence at Dickson House
For pupils who live too far to travel daily, we offer residential placements at Dickson House – our outstanding-rated children’s home, part of the Carr Fenton Foundation. It provides weekly or term-time accommodation for school pupils, with 38 week placements available. Dickson House is a safe, welcoming environment where pupils can build independence, develop life skills and form lasting friendships.
Our pupils study a wide range of subjects designed to build knowledge, communication, and confidence. Each subject is taught by experienced, specialist staff who adapt their teaching to meet the needs of deaf learners, using visual strategies, assistive technology, and a mix of British Sign Language (BSL) and English.
You can read a short summary of each subject below – or download the full curriculum plan for more detail.
Education at Doncaster School for the Deaf is about more than lessons – it’s about confidence, creativity and connection. Our enrichment programme gives pupils the chance to explore their interests, develop new skills and enjoy experiences that bring learning to life.
Clubs & Activities
Pupils can take part in a variety of lunchtime and after-school clubs, from sports and art to cooking, film, and technology. Activities change through the year to reflect pupil interests and seasonal events.
Trips & Visits
We organise local, regional and national visits that connect classroom learning with the wider world – from science centres and museums to outdoor adventure days. Trips also help pupils build confidence in travelling, communicating and working together.
Celebrating Deaf Culture
Throughout the year we hold events that celebrate deaf identity and language, including Deaf Awareness Week, BSL poetry and storytelling sessions, and visits from deaf role models. These moments strengthen pride, belonging and community.
Sports and Wellbeing
Physical activity is central to life here. Pupils use our sports hall, courts and fields for regular PE and team events, supporting health, teamwork and wellbeing. We also promote emotional wellbeing through creative workshops, social groups and mentoring.
Personal Growth
Enrichment helps every pupil grow as an individual, learning to take part, take responsibility and take pride in their achievements. By exploring their interests and building confidence, pupils discover what they love – and who they want to become.
Every pupil at Doncaster School for the Deaf is supported to plan for life beyond school with guidance, confidence and ambition. We help young people explore their interests, understand their strengths and take the next steps into further education, training or work.
How we approach careers education
Careers education starts early and runs throughout the school. Through lessons, personal guidance and real-world experiences, pupils learn about different careers, pathways and skills for independence.
Our programme follows the Gatsby Benchmarks for good career guidance and is reviewed each year to make sure it meets every learner’s needs.
Guidance and Support
Our Careers Leader coordinates personalised support for every pupil, working closely with parents, local colleges, employers and the wider Deaf community.
Each pupil receives:
- Individual careers guidance and goal setting
- Access to work-related learning and taster sessions
- Visits from colleges, training providers and role models
- Transition support for college or training applications
- Guidance on employability and life skills
Real Experiences
Pupils take part in work experience placements, careers events, and college link programmes to help them understand the world of work and build transferable skills. They also explore practical life skills through PSHE, smILE Therapy, and community projects – all part of preparing for adulthood.
Strong Outcomes
We’re proud that in the past three years, 100% of our pupils have moved into further education. Destinations include local colleges, specialist post-16 provision and vocational training that matches each student’s goals and abilities.
Useful Information
- Careers Policy
- Careers Programme
- Provider Access Policy
- Preparing for Adulthood Guide
- NDCS Deaf Careers Advice
