The Princess Royal visited the Deaf Academy in Devon on Friday to celebrate the institution's bicentenary, commending staff and students for establishing benchmarks in Deaf education.
During the anniversary event, Princess Anne unveiled a commemorative plaque and addressed those gathered at the Exmouth campus.
"This place has set some standards for others to follow and you're still doing that, so I wish you well," she said.
"Thank you for what you've achieved over the last 200 years, but something tells me that these basics will not go away, you need to stay, so good luck with the next stage."
The Princess Royal visited the Deaf Academy in Devon on Friday to celebrate the institution's bicentenary, commending staff and students for establishing benchmarks in Deaf education.
|PA
The occasion, held during National Deaf Awareness Week, brought together pupils, educators, trustees, local officials and representatives from prominent Deaf charities across the country.
The celebration featured a diverse programme of activities with students at the centre. Award-winning Deaf poet Raymond Antrobus led a British Sign Language poetry workshop, whilst pupils also participated in African drumming sessions and explored a new outdoor sensory play area with a bubble fairy.
The Princess Royal observed a performance by the Academy's BSL choir during her tour of the facilities.
Student ambassadors Tinksie and Fred, both aged 14, presented Her Royal Highness with a posy and a book chronicling the school's history.
During the anniversary event, Princess Anne unveiled a commemorative plaque and addressed those gathered at the Exmouth campus.
|PA
The visit concluded with 12-year-old Ivy, an Eco School representative, gifting Princess Anne a jar of honey produced by the Academy's own beehives.
Student Hafwen Clarke reflected on the day: "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."
Sir Stephen Timms, minister for social security and disability, also attended the bicentenary celebrations.
The minister met with Mark Stocks, the Academy's partnerships and community manager, along with other staff members to learn about their efforts in educating young Deaf people and promoting Deaf culture within broader society.
"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," Sir Stephen said.
He emphasised the government's dedication to supporting BSL users and Deaf communities, noting plans to expand BSL usage and ongoing collaboration with the BSL Advisory Board to address barriers in education, employment and healthcare.
The minister highlighted a £3.5 billion investment in employment support for disabled people planned by the decade's end.
The Deaf Academy holds the distinction of being England's first Deaf school, having opened its doors in Exeter in 1826. The institution relocated to a modern purpose-built campus in Exmouth in 2020 and provides specialist education and care for Deaf young people aged nine to 25, most of whom have additional needs.
Friday's visit marked Princess Anne's second trip to the Academy, following her 1993 appearance when she inaugurated a sensory room at the former Topsham Road site.
Dame Angela Pedder DBE, chair of trustees, expressed gratitude for the royal presence: "Your continued support, including your visit to our previous site, means a great deal to everyone connected with the Academy."
Principal Sylvan Dewing added that the Princess Royal "showed genuine interest" in both the celebration activities and the Academy's broader educational mission.
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