Sylvan Dewing BA, LLM, PGCET, PGCERT

Principal and CEO

Sylvan originally studied law and worked in welfare rights and student support before training as a teacher. With over 20 years’ experience of working in the education sector he joined the academy in 2017 having previously worked in the London Boroughs of Haringey and Hackney.  As a dyslexic person who struggled at school Sylvan is passionate about inclusive education and ensuring that every young person is given the support they need to achieve their potential.  “Our aim is to know and grow every learner, to empower them to achieve their full potential!”

Greg Ireland BSc, PGCE, SENDCo

Assistant Principal and Head of College

Greg has been teaching since 2005 after gaining a degree in Public Policy from the University of Birmingham and a PGCE from the University of Leicester.  He has worked in schools in Leicestershire, Birmingham and Exeter.  He qualified as a SENDCo in 2014 and has worked in inclusion across a range of mainstream and specialist settings. During his career he strives to remove barriers to equality, both in education and society.  He is committed to ensuring the College is an active part of the community and creating meaningful pathways to students being as independent as possible both at work and in leisure.

Rachel Stevens BEd, SENDCo

Assistant Principal and Head of School

Rachel is a passionate educator, SENDCo and leader with many years of experience in Special Needs Education in both Primary mainstream and special provision. Before joining the Deaf Academy, Rachel was a SENDCo for 11 years, building positive relationships with children and families and ensuring they received the most from their education experience. Rachel also mentored teachers in many aspects of Special Educational Needs to ensure all children received the highest levels of care. Since joining the Deaf Academy Rachel has led the school provision here from strength to strength, ensuring that the curriculum, quality of teaching and learning, staff team and provision for our students is the absolute best.

Claire Quick FCA, MAAT

Chief Financial Officer

Claire is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 20 years post qualified experience focused in education and charity sector. She joined the Academy in 2011 as the Finance Manager and was appointed Director of Finance & Resources in 2020. Claire was part of the Academy Project Team that delivered the new Campus in Exmouth. Claire is responsible for Finance, Human Resources, Estates & Facilities, and IT.

James Heaver BSc (Hons)

Assistant Principal and Head of Care and Safeguarding

James is the Assistant Principal for Care and Responsible Individual for our Children’s Care Home. With over 15 years’ experience of working with children and adults in the health and social care sector, James is committed to ensuring that residential care provides the very best service possible.  He joined the Academy in 2009 and has managed both Children’s Home and Residential Care services. James is responsible for the large team of staff and managers who support our children and young people in both our residential accommodation and children’s home. He is also responsible for our safeguarding team where he is Designated Safeguarding Lead.