Royal School for the Deaf Derby

Royal School for the Deaf Derby maintains effective standards since its last inspection, showcasing a bilingual environment that emphasizes British Sign Language (BSL) and speech therapy. Staff build strong relationships with pupils, fostering a sense of safety and trust. The curriculum is ambitious and tailored, allowing pupils to develop a sense of pride in their identity and culture. Continuous support from leaders and impressive behavior among students are further highlights of the school’s environment. The school is committed to serving the Deaf community, including providing free BSL tuition for parents and families.

Strengths

• Strong bilingual approach integrating BSL and speech therapy into all learning.
• Warm and supportive relationships between staff and pupils.
• High expectations resulting in good pupil engagement and achievement.
• A well-structured curriculum that prepares students for adulthood.
• Effective prioritization of reading, with tailored phonics and reading support.
• Comprehensive speech and language therapy available for all students.
• Active school council that helps pupils engage in the community.

Areas for Improvement

• Occasional misalignment between chosen activities and curriculum aims may hinder some pupils' learning.

In 2024–25 pupils at Royal School for the Deaf Derby attended 89.4% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 36.8% of pupils were persistently absent, missing at least one session in ten (nationally 35.3%).

Sessions missed

Pupils persistently absent

Source: Department for Education, Pupil absence in schools in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Persistent absence means missing 10% or more of sessions; severe absence means 50% or more. No figures were published for 2019/20.

In 2024–25, 0.9% of pupils at Royal School for the Deaf Derby were suspended at least once (nationally 5.1%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2025–26 Royal School for the Deaf Derby had 127 pupils, 98.4% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 98.6%).

It says it provides for: hearing impairment.

Pupils by main type of need

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded non-maintained special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Derby · Derby local authority: places and applications

What is Royal School for the Deaf Derby's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Royal School for the Deaf Derby is Good, from an inspection in January 2025.

When was Royal School for the Deaf Derby last inspected by Ofsted?

Royal School for the Deaf Derby was last inspected in January 2025.

How many pupils does Royal School for the Deaf Derby have?

Royal School for the Deaf Derby has 127 pupils on roll.

What age range does Royal School for the Deaf Derby cover?

Royal School for the Deaf Derby for pupils aged 3 to 19.

What are Royal School for the Deaf Derby's GCSE results?

In 2025 its average Attainment 8 score was 9.7, and 10% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

Where is Royal School for the Deaf Derby?

Royal School for the Deaf Derby is at Ashbourne Road, Derby, Derbyshire, DE22 3BH.