DEAF children in the North-East are underachieving by a whole grade in their GCSEs compared to their peers, according to a leading charity.

The National Deaf Children’s Society also said it was concerned by cuts to deaf children’s education services which would affect specialist teaching and technology children rely on.

It gave the example of Durham County Council, which it said was cutting nine per cent of its budget for education services for children with a sensory loss.

Similar concerns have also been raised about a reduction in support provided by South Tyneside Council.

Alison Lawson, North East regional director for the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “With the right support, deaf children can achieve just as much as their hearing peers.

“But deaf children aren’t doing as well as they should be, so clearly they aren’t getting the level of support they need.”

“Deaf children have limitless ability in everything from maths to English, art to music and science, but they will never reach their full potential if they are not being supported effectively.

“Local councils need to show that they believe in the potential of deaf young people, and invest in these vital services.

“We know there is big constraints on local authorities but deaf children can’t be put in the firing line in order to save money.”