Secondary education

Secondary school is a time of big changes – new environments, growing independence, exciting learning opportunities, and the journey of finding your place. For deaf pupils, these changes can bring unique challenges as well as opportunities.

On this page, you'll find practical advice, real-life stories and expert resources to help you create a deaf-friendly environment where every pupil feels included, supported and able to succeed.

Experiences of deaf pupils in secondary settings

Real-life stories:

• Miriam's mild deafness: Because she doesn't wear hearing aids, Miriam often has to remind people she's deaf.
• Asking for support in school: Skye shares what she needed to feel supported in school. 

These simulations give insight into how some deaf young people experience sound in different environments:

• What different levels of hearing loss sound like (YouTube)
• Radio aids in a classroom (YouTube)
• Cochlear implant simulator (University of Southampton)

Signs of deafness

Some pupils start school without being identified as deaf, while others may develop hearing loss while at school. That’s why it’s important to be able to spot the signs early and ensure support is put in place quickly.

Here are some signs to look out for:

• Does not respond when called.
• Watches faces and/or lips intently.
• Constantly asks for repetition.
• Does not always follow instructions straight away.
• Often misunderstands or ignores instructions.
• Watches what others are doing before doing it themselves.
• Frequently seeks assistance from peers.
• Talks either too loudly or too softly.
• Appears inattentive or as though daydreaming.
• Makes little or no contribution to class discussions.
• Complains about not being able to hear.
• Gets tired easily.
• Becomes easily frustrated.
• Appears isolated and less involved in social group activities.
• Has difficulties identifying or producing individual speech sounds.

See more signs of deafness.

Not all signs will necessarily mean a pupil is deaf, but if you have any concerns, speak with the family and encourage them to see their GP or school nurse for further advice.

Don’t overlook mild hearing loss

Pupils with mild hearing loss can usually hear everything said to them in a quiet room, but not if there's background noise or if they're far away from the speaker. 

Learn more about supporting students with mild hearing loss by downloading or ordering our free resource, Mild Hearing Loss (Shopify). 

Deaf-friendly teaching

Creating a deaf-friendly learning environment ensures deaf pupils are fully included in lessons, activities and wider school life. 

Explore deaf-friendly teaching strategies.

Download or order our free resources:

• Deaf-friendly teaching: For secondary school staff (Shopify)
• Deaf-friendly teaching: For children who use English as an additional language (EAL) (Shopify)
• Deaf-friendly teaching: For staff in special schools (Shopify)
• Deaf-friendly education: Northern Ireland (Shopify)

Creating a good communication environment

Simple changes to your environment – like reducing background noise or improving lighting – can make a big difference to a deaf pupil’s ability to communicate and access learning.

Find out how to create a good communication environment.

Secondary years teaching resources

We offer free resources to support deaf pupils in secondary education.

• Supporting Pragmatic and Social Communication Skills (Shopify): Explores in depth how children develop pragmatics, with lots of fun activities to help children practise these skills.

You may also be interested in exploring these resources from other organisations:

• Let's Sign BSL resources for schools
• Twinkle BSL resources for schools

Exam access arrangements

Access arrangements are changes to how exams are written, assessed or delivered to make sure deaf pupils are not unfairly disadvantaged.

Schools, colleges, universities and awarding bodies must make arrangements so that deaf students can access exams fairly.

Learn more about exam access arrangements. 

Technology in education

Some pupils in your setting may use hearing devices like hearing aids or cochlear implants, or other assistive listening devices like radio aids and streamers. 

It’s important to understand how these devices work and how to support pupils who use them.

Learn more about hearing and assistive technology in education.

Supporting social, emotional and mental wellbeing

Many deaf pupils want to feel the same as their peers and may choose not to use hearing technology or accept extra help. That’s why it’s vital for schools to create an inclusive environment that supports their overall wellbeing.

Good social, emotional and mental wellbeing is essential for a deaf pupil’s development. It influences language skills, academic achievement, social relationships and mental health – both in school and later life.

Key areas where schools can support:

School attitudes and environment 

• Ensure school policies consider the specific needs of deaf pupils, especially around communication.
• Include deaf pupils fully in all school and extracurricular activities.
• Provide quiet spaces for socialising in smaller groups, especially during noisy times like lunch.

Language and communication 

• Deaf pupils may struggle with slang or informal social language.
• They might worry about mishearing or misunderstanding conversations.
• Help them develop confidence in social interactions through targeted support and role play. 

Emotional understanding

• Deaf pupils may need explicit teaching to develop "Theory of Mind" – the ability to understand others’ feelings and viewpoints.

Family involvement

• Some families may have difficulty accepting their child’s deafness or hearing technology.
• Provide support and information for families to help them understand and embrace their child’s needs.

Peer awareness and inclusion

• Deaf pupils often benefit when classmates understand deafness and the support they use.
• Deaf awareness training can help, but it should be done with the pupil’s consent to respect their comfort and privacy.

Self-identity and confidence

• Encourage open conversations about deafness, identity and diversity.
• Connect pupils with deaf peers and adult role models.
• Highlight the value of differences and help pupils see their strengths.

Building resilience

Support deaf pupils to:

• develop the language to express emotions and talk about deafness
• talk through real-life challenges in a safe space
• role play social situations to build confidence
• learn coping strategies for life beyond school
• see themselves positively reflected in resources, stories and learning materials
• practise problem-solving and conflict resolution
• access safe, supportive online spaces, with guidance for pupils and families.

Want more information? Explore our guide to emotional health and wellbeing for deaf young people and their families.

Supporting transitions to adulthood

You play an important role in helping deaf young people explore their options beyond secondary education – whether that’s further education, university, apprenticeships, employment, or other life opportunities. 

One of the greatest challenges deaf young people face when entering adulthood is the low expectations others may have for them as well as the lack of knowledge about support available. Your encouragement can make a powerful difference. By raising the bar and helping them see their full potential, you can show that being deaf should never be a barrier to achieving their dreams. 

Learn more about supporting transitions to adulthood.

Training for educators

Our training courses and workshops introduce you to the skills and knowledge needed to support deaf children and young people. 

We offer a range of flexible options, including free online courses you can complete at your own pace. These courses are ideal for individual learning or group sessions, such as inset days or whole-staff training. 

Some popular sessions for educators include:

• Introduction to Deaf Awareness (CPD accredited)
• Introduction to Childhood Deafness (CPD accredited)
• Working with Deaf Children and Young People

Explore all our training courses for educators.

Find out how to learn British Sign Language (BSL).