Deaf News: Just 1 in 3 deaf students in England secured two A-Levels last year, NDCS analysis reveals

Only a third (34%) of England’s deaf students obtained two A-Level qualifications or equivalent in their exams last year, according to analysis of exam results by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS).

The statistic shows the attainment gap increasing further between deaf and hearing pupils, who in contrast have an achievement rate of 55%.

Commenting on the findings, Martin McLean, NDCS’ post-16 lead, said the “gulf” in results is an “injustice now ingrained in the education system”.

“Despite year after year of evidence, major advances in technology and constant Government promises of a superb education, the fact remains that two thirds of deaf students still fall short of what they set out to achieve.

“The Government has the opportunity to create real change in the upcoming SEND review and close this gap, but only if it gives every deaf student the tailored support they need and the education they’ve been promised.

“Deafness isn’t a learning disability and there’s no reason why deaf students can’t achieve the same results as their hearing classmates. No one involved in their education should rest until they do,” he said.

The attainment data also reveals that the 34% figure is a decrease for the first time in four years, falling by 2%.

Hearing students, meanwhile, had their first increase in seven years, rising by 1%.

NDCS have cited “inaccessible remote learning”, introduced in response to the coronavirus pandemic, as a “possible cause” for the issue, with almost two-thirds of deaf students (63%) having found online lessons difficult to understand during lockdown.

The charity fears that the gap between deaf and hearing students could continue to widen in this academic year, with the charity mentioning that students have spent “even more time learning from home”.

In February, NDCS said the government’s recommendation to extend face coverings to indoor settings in secondary schools – though not mandatory – would have a “devastating effect” on deaf children. The recommendation was withdrawn in May, when face coverings were no longer required in classrooms or communal areas.

The charity now advises that schools and colleges ensure deaf students aren’t negatively impacted by face coverings from September, and are prioritised for any catch-up support available.

In a statement to The Limping Chicken, a Department for Education (DfE) spokesperson said: “We know the last year has proven especially challenging for many children with additional needs, including hearing impairments.

“That’s why we’ve increased high needs funding for children with more complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to more than £8 billion per year over the last two years and have just announced a further increase of £780 million for the next financial year.

“We are providing £3 billion for education recovery, which includes funding for schools to use flexibly to support pupils in the way that works best for them, including those with SEND.”

The UK Government’s SEND review, first announced in September 2019, is yet to be published.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is a Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.