13 Aug 2026
Heathlands School has celebrated a historic milestone as students received the school’s first-ever A level results, following the opening of its Sixth Form in 2024.
The occasion marks the culmination of more than 15 years of determination, vision, and campaigning by the Heathlands community to establish a Sixth Form provision that would enable young deaf people who use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first language to continue their post-16 education within a setting that understands and champions the needs of deaf children.
Working in partnership with The Marlborough Science Academy, Heathlands School launched its Sixth Form in 2024, creating a unique and inclusive educational pathway that combines deaf specialist expertise with access to a broad academic curriculum.
Prior to the Sixth Form opening, deaf school leavers from Heathlands faced a difficult route into higher education, choosing to either be the only deaf student in a mainstream sixth form, without natural peers and dependent on an interpreter for communication or going into deaf auditory oral provisions which did not meet their access needs. Now school leavers have a choice of the provision they want, including an accessible and inclusive provision within Heathlands and Marlborough schools.
Co-headteachers Lesley Reeves Costi and Sarah Shields said: “Today is a hugely significant day in the history of Heathlands School. After more than 15 years of campaigning and commitment from staff, governors, families, and students, we are celebrating our very first cohort of A level students. We could not be prouder of what they have achieved.
“These results are about much more than grades. They represent ambition, perseverance, and the belief that our deaf students deserve every opportunity to achieve their aspirations. We are grateful to our partners at The Marlborough Science Academy, whose support and collaboration have helped make this vision a reality.”
Among this year’s successes are students progressing to university, further education, apprenticeships, and employment, all equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed in the next chapter of their lives.
The chair of governors Oyin Kalejaiye added: “This is a proud moment for everyone associated with Heathlands School. The opening of the Sixth Form was the result of years of advocacy and commitment to ensuring deaf students could continue their educational journey in an environment where they can communicate in their first language and thrive.
“Seeing our first cohort achieve such positive outcomes is a testament to their hard work and the dedication of staff across both Heathlands School and Marlborough Science Academy.
“As Heathlands School celebrates this historic achievement, it looks forward to welcoming future Sixth Form students and building upon the strong foundations established by this pioneering first cohort.
“Today’s results demonstrate the success of a shared vision: ensuring that every young deaf person has access to an ambitious, inclusive, and high-quality post-16 education delivered in their first language that empowers them to realise their full potential. Congratulations to all of our students and their families on this remarkable achievement.”
Heathlands School is the largest deaf specialist school within the UK following a Total Communication approach. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2023, the school celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Heathlands caters for deaf children who require academic access to the National Curriculum via sign language.
Half of the school’s staff are deaf themselves providing excellent role models and everyone within the school can sign creating a highly inclusive environment for all pupils.
