We are delighted to share that our charity’s former Chair of Trustees Peter Burroughs has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding contribution to education.
Peter joined the Academy in 2007 and led the charity through a major period of redevelopment, overseeing its successful relocation from Exeter to our state-of-the-art campus in Exmouth in 2020. This provided a positive new trajectory for the Academy, which next year celebrates its 200th anniversary as the oldest Deaf school in England.
Through his work, Peter was instrumental in shaping the future of Deaf education in the UK. His leadership, vision and professional expertise were central to the Academy’s more recent transformation. Purpose-built for Deaf learners – many with additional special needs – the new site replaced the Academy’s previous home in Exeter in order to better suit the changing profile of our students’ needs. This provided the foundation for further improvement in the quality of its education and residential care provision; now recognised as Good by Ofsted, with some outstanding features.
Peter’s award also recognises a lifetime of public service. He spent over four decades in the NHS, including 25 years as finance director of several London teaching hospitals. As Director of Capital Investment at UCLH, he oversaw the development of the £450m University College Hospital, London. Upon retirement, he became treasurer and then development director of UCLH Charity. He also served as non-executive director, vice chair and chair of Plymouth Hospitals Trust between 2009 and 2012 and is a trustee of Age UK Plymouth.
Dame Angela Pedder, Chair of Trustees at the Deaf Academy, said: “Peter’s period of leadership was transformational for the Deaf Academy. His commitment, not only to the new campus but to the learners it serves, leaves a lasting legacy and puts the charity in a far stronger place than when he joined it, securing its ability to continue its dedication to supporting Deaf young people.
“Without Peter’s personal commitment to this cause, these aspirations would not have been realised. Under his leadership the school and residential facilities have been designed as an environment in which Deafness is factored into the design, rather than added on.”
Peter, who lives in Yelverton, joined the trustee board with the specific intention of applying his professional skills to the task of securing new premises and a strong future for the charity. He dedicated almost 14 years to the charity, leading the Trustees on an ambitious programme of redevelopment and change that was required to ensure high quality Deaf education could continue to be provided. This was the beginning of a ten-year journey to raise funds (£12+m) and build the new Deaf Academy.
The project, which involved a number of large property transactions, including the sale of the charity’s existing site, encountered major economic and logistical challenges – from the fallout of the 2008 financial crisis to the pandemic-related delays in 2020. Yet Peter’s resilience and commitment never wavered. Drawing on his 40-year career in NHS leadership and major healthcare infrastructure projects, he guided the Academy through the design, funding and delivery of its new campus, ensuring that every detail supported visual communication and the best outcomes for Deaf students.
Alongside the redevelopment, Peter played an active role in the governance of the Academy, including two terms as chair and a period as honorary treasurer. His contributions extended beyond buildings – helping to shape the long-term strategy and sustainability of the organisation.
Dame Angela concluded: “As we approach our 200th anniversary, it is clear that his vision and determination have secured the future of Deaf education here for generations to come. We are delighted that his extraordinary contribution has been recognised at a national level.
“Peter Burroughs has lived a life of service; he is a committed public servant and a visionary charity sector leader. His personal contribution and vision have enabled the Deaf Academy to build a dynamic future for the delivery of quality education and care for Deaf young people. He is thoroughly worthy of recognition for his services to Deaf education, support for the wider Deaf community and other charitable endeavours.”