Where dyslexics succeed
See our new video... click to view
23/06/09 - Audio Clip
Radio reporter Kevin Gover discovers the strengths of Appleford School talking to former head teacher Stella Wilson, former parent Dr James Chadwick and current pupils. click here to listen to the MP3 file.
28/07/10 - Appleford School pupils learn about care in their community with their ‘Citizenship Day’
Appleford School in Shrewton, a day and boarding school for children with dyslexia and associated learning difficulties have just celebrated their ‘Citizenship Day.’
Organised by teacher Mr Bawden, this special day has been an annual event since 2003 and the children get a chance to meet people who dedicate their life to the caring of others and learn exciting new skills. He explained:
“My aim and objective was to make our children aware that there are other people and animals who need our care, and we must learn to put others in front of ourselves.”
Guests invited to take part in the day and give demonstrations to the children ranged from the GUL Riding School, The Samaritans, Fire Brigade, martial arts instruction, silk painting and the Hawk Conservancy.
Thankfully the summer heat wave continued long enough to bring a wonderful sunny day and the event was a huge success. In the words of the pupils:
"I really enjoyed the martial arts. The man had lots to teach us and told us a sad but amazing story of his life. I also really enjoyed mucking out the horses", said Jake aged 12.
"I really enjoyed the silk making. We were allowed to mix the colours and do cool things with it. I also really enjoyed caring for the horses", said Kate aged 10
"I love birds so I really enjoyed the birds of prey. We watched the birds flying and I got to hold the Barn Owl", added Toby aged 12.
14/01/10 - Another ‘Outstanding’ in Care from Ofsted for Appleford
Appleford, the Shrewton school for children with dyslexia and associated learning difficulties, has just received its third consecutive "Outstanding" OFSTED report for its ‘Care.’
Appleford School was inspected by OFSTED last month. The report has just been published and it finds that the school provides outstanding care for its pupils.
The report stated that: "The inspection found that children are protected by good systems of care which directs the practice of a well trained and supervised group of care staff. Children feel safe and happy and free from bullying. The staff ensures that the children develop to the best of their ability within a supportive and nurturing framework."
The report also went into detail about how Appleford helps children achieve well, and enjoy what they do. “The school’s primary focus is on addressing the educational needs of young people with dyslexia and in improving their self confidence and self esteem. Care staff demonstrated a good awareness of this aspect of the condition and of the individual needs of the young people.”
“Each year OFSTED has raised the bar in their grading of judgements,” adds Head Teacher, Lesley Nell. “So, the ‘Outstanding’ grade we have been awarded just goes to prove what a fantastic job the care team and all the staff at Appleford do for the pupils in their care. We are thrilled to have achieved it.”
Appleford also has an ‘Outstanding’ grade for its education.
21/12/09 - 'Magic Dust' - an article in December's Wiltshire Magazine
Click here to read the full story
06/11/09 - Appleford School bring special messages to Salisbury for Dyslexia Awareness Week
click here to read the full story
17/08/09 - 2009 Speech Day
Click here to listen to an audio clip from our 2009 Speech Day featuring Richard and Holly Roseveare (head girl and her father), and our guest speaker Christian Emmerson (actor, director and former pupil).
03/11/08 - Appleford School, Shrewton, receives a DOUBLE OUTSTANDING OFSTED report
In fully meeting its aims Appleford School provides an outstanding education for its pupils. All aspects of the school's work are at least good and many features of these are outstanding. Pupils say that they are pleased to be at the school; this is understandable, because they experience good teaching, very careful consideration of their individual needs and are supported by a seamless provision for their personal development. The needs of boarding and day pupils are fully considered. The school meets all the education regulations but for two non-compliance issues in the boarding provision, which is also judged to be outstanding. The school has successfully addressed all the issues raised in the last inspection report.
Download Our PDF Fact sheets
You can download the PDFs by clicking on the links above or you can visit our Dyslexia Fact sheets page for more details.
"We are a close knit school community offering specialist education to dyslexic students .Our ‘whole school’ approach to dyslexia restores pupils’ confidence, unlocking and developing their skills and talents. We believe that dyslexia and associated learning difficulties are no hindrance to success"
Headteacher
On the approved CReSTeD register
All schools approved by the Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils (CReSTeD) are visited regularly to ensure they continue to meet the criteria set by CReSTeD. Appleford has been approved under category 'SP' as a specialist dyslexic school offering a detailed structured curriculum which is taught within small groups of 7-12 pupils.
See our new Video... (above right)
Appleford School is a very special place. As Martin Cooke, the Headmaster of Clayesmore School puts it: "Appleford School sprinkles magic dust over dyslexic children".
Drawing on interviews with staff, parents and children at Appleford, this short video describes what the school can offer children with dyslexia. We hope you enjoy the video - but the best way to find out what we could do for your child is come and see Appleford School for yourself.
Call us now on 0800 135 7314 to arrange a visit, or to get your own copy of the film. See if we can sprinkle a little "magic dust" on your child.


