This article provides an insight into the educational needs, experiences and school support for deaf high school students attending a mainstream school, from the perspectives of the deaf students themselves, their teachers and support staff. Themes emerged from interviews with the students and staff around learning, communication, school culture and social interactions. The gathered information highlighted that the deaf students' ability to communicate directly with the school staff and their peer group formed a central part of their educational experience. This article also provides an insight into the practical strategies perceived as effective by the students and staff, which were discussed and highlighted to ensure an overall visual approach can be employed when working with deaf students. (Contains 1 footnote.)