Deaf Academy student Oscar Mott is one step closer to achieving his dream job as a chef, thanks to securing a place at the prestigious Michael Caines Academy.

Oscar, 18, is the first deaf student to gain a place at the Michael Caines Academy, which is part of Exeter College. Achieving a place is a highly competitive process with just 16 student places on offer. It is regularly oversubscribed with around 50 student applications every year.

To celebrate Oscar’s achievement, the Deaf Academy invited Michael to visit its Exmouth campus and meet Oscar and fellow students.

Mark Stocks, deputy principal, said the Deaf Academy was very proud of Oscar. He said: “Since joining the Deaf Academy, Oscar has thrived and it has been wonderful to see him find a love of cooking, initially in his food tech classes at the Deaf Academy, and now through achieving his place at the Michael Caines Academy.

“We support our young people to grow and develop and to understand that their deafness is not a barrier to achieving their dreams and Oscar is wonderful and inspiring example of this. We’re looking forward to seeing what he goes on to achieve”

Mark Stocks – Deputy Principal of the Deaf Academy

The Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year. It has a focus on fine dining and its aim is for the learners to work in the highest quality establishments in the south west. 

Michael Caines said staff were impressed with Oscar’s enthusiasm, as well as his cooking skills.

He added: “The process is incredibly competitive with normally 40-50 students applying and only 16 being successful. The selection is a two-day process, the first of which measures the knowledge and skills of the student, which is then followed by a formal interview on the second day. This gives the applicants an opportunity to put across their passion for the industry and show off portfolios of work.”