Deaf students in Exmouth celebrated the school’s 200th birthday with visit from the Princess Royal.
Princess Anne last week was at the Deaf Academy, in Exmouth, to join staff and students in marking the bicentenary of the oldest deaf school in England.
During her visit, the royal met staff, students, trustees and governors, learning about the academy’s work and impact on deaf youngsters.
Princess Anne is pictured here with college students and staff.
Photo: GRW Photography/Deaf Academy.
Students and staff met the royal when she visited their school and college.
Photo: GRW Photography/Deaf Academy.
Princess Anne was given a tour of the Deaf Academy.
Photo: GRW Photography/Deaf Academy.
Meeting staff and students during the royal visit to the Deaf Academy in Exmouth.
Photo: GRW Photography/Deaf Academy.
Hafwen Clarke, aged 21, Deaf Academy student, said: “It’s really important that people understand about deaf awareness and it was fantastic to see Princess Anne interested in learning more during her visit.”
During the visit, Princess Anne was treated to a performance by the student signing choir, unveiled a commemoration plaque and was presented with a pot of honey from the academy’s bees.
Princess Anne met students and staff to mark the school’s 200th birthday.
Photo: GRW Photography/Deaf Academy.
Princess Anne went home with a pot of honey from the bees at the academy.
Photo: GRW Photography/Deaf Academy.
The royal was treated to creative performances and was shown around the school, college and sensory garden during her visit.
Photo: GRW Photography/Deaf Academy.
Princess Anne is pictured here with academy principal Sylvan Dewing.
Photo: GRW Photography/Deaf Academy.
Sylvan Dewing, Deaf Academy principal and chief executive, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Princess Royal to the Deaf Academy. She showed genuine interest in the activities which were being put on as part of our celebration day and also the wider work of the academy in educating young deaf students and raising awareness of the challenges that exist for deaf people in society today.”
Princess Anne’s visit to Exmouth coincided with National Deaf Awareness Week. Also invited was Sir Stephen Timms, MP, Minister of State for social security and disability, who was told about the school’s work promoting deaf culture and inclusivity in the community.
He said: “The Deaf Academy has been transforming the lives of young deaf people for 200 years and it was a privilege to join the celebrations for such a significant milestone.”
During her visit, Princess Anne unveiled a plaque.
Photo: GRW Photography/Deaf Academy.
Principal Sylvan Dewing gave Princess Anne a tour of the school and college.
Photo: GRW Photography/Deaf Academy.
Students and staff met Princess Anne when she visited the Deaf Academy in Exmouth.
Photo: GRW Photography/Deaf Academy.
The birthday celebrations included students showcasing their creative skills, including a British Sign Language poetry workshop with deaf poet Raymond Antrobus, African drumming workshop, and time in the school’s sensory garden.
Dame Angela Pedder, Deaf Academy chair of trustees, said the Princess Royal’s visit had ‘meant a great deal’ to those involved with the school.
She said: “We’re very proud to be celebrating our bicentenary and it has been fascinating to look back over our achievements over the last 200 years, honour our past and recognise the people who have brought us here.
“But importantly, we also look forward to the future, and we do that with confidence that it is a future shaped by the determination, talent, and spirit of our students.”
The Deaf Academy was the first deaf school in England, opening in Exeter in 1826. It moved to a new campus in Exmouth in 2020.
Princess Anne first visited the school in 1993, opening a new sensory room at its former Topsham Road site, in Exeter.
