Speakers

Kate Persaud is the headteacher of Elmfield School for Deaf Children, leading both their primary and secondary sites. Elmfield is one of only 22 specialist schools for the deaf across the UK. At the heart of their philosophy is a commitment to sign bilingualism meaning that deaf students are taught in 2 languages; English and British Sign Language. 

Kate and her team are committed to ensuring that deaf children in the Southwest have a rich education experience which is fully accessible. The school is maintained by Bristol City Council and welcomes students from 8 different LAs, with the majority arriving by taxi. 

In 2023 Kate oversaw the relocation of the primary into new premises, creating a purposeful deaf space as a centre of excellence. She is now working with BCC on the refurbishment of a mainstream primary building into a dedicated space for her secondary students, moving away from a co-located site to create a stand-alone school. This project is due to finish in April 2027. Never one to rest for long; Kate also has her sights on adding a post-16 building to the school.