Appleford School

Appleford School is a specialist day and boarding school dedicated to supporting children with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia. The school offers a unique and tailored educational experience, ensuring that each child receives the support they need to thrive academically and personally.

Before admission, parents are required to submit relevant paperwork, including school reports, an educational psychologist’s report, and, if applicable, an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This documentation is reviewed to determine if the school can meet the child’s needs. Prospective students are then invited to a three-day taster experience, which includes overnight stays for those considering boarding. It is important to note that the school is not suitable for children whose primary diagnosis is ADHD or autism.

Many families have found their way to the school through Tribunal, with the school’s support, and children can start at any point during the academic year. The majority of students leave after completing their GCSEs to attend other schools or college sixth forms. However, the school does offer provisions for years 12 and 13, allowing students to retake exams or start vocational AS levels. This option provides a slower-paced transition to key stage five, with support from Appleford staff, and by December of the first term, most learners are independent enough to move on.

The school is divided into Prep (years 4-8) and Senior (years 9-13) sections, with class sizes capped at ten students. Each class is supported by a teacher and at least one Learning Support Assistant, and many classes are split to offer differentiated work to individuals or small groups. All teaching staff are trained in dyslexia, and touch-typing is encouraged from the outset, with a goal of achieving at least 30 words per minute. The curriculum is designed to cater to individual learning styles, with a creative and hands-on approach in the lower years and a focus on literacy and numeracy in the senior years to prepare students for exams. Exam options are chosen at the end of year 8, with students opting for either GCSEs or BTecs.

The school is well-equipped with computer terminals, boasting 250 PCs for 160 children, and an accelerated reader software programme to monitor reading progress. History is a favourite subject, with hands-on learning through artefacts and multimedia resources. Food technology and sport BTec are also popular choices among students.

The learning support department is registered with the British Dyslexia Association, allowing them to conduct dyslexia assessments and organise access arrangements for public exams. A team of therapists, including Speech and Language and Occupational Therapists, work with individuals or small groups to provide targeted support. The school also encourages staff to bring in their dogs to help calm or excite students as needed. Progress is closely monitored with three parent meetings per year and termly reports.

In the art room, students work on projects such as GCSE photography, using Photoshop software and traditional tools like easels and sewing machines. Music and drama are less prominent but still available. The school places a strong emphasis on outdoor activities, with daily PE sessions and a variety of sports, including rugby, cricket, and hockey. The netball team has even competed internationally. The school also offers forest school for younger years and the Duke of Edinburgh Award for older students.

Boarding at the school is divided into four houses, with dorms accommodating 4-5 juniors and 2-3 seniors per room, all with ensuite showers. Boarders enjoy a range of activities, from bowling and trampolining to pizza nights and TV evenings. The head of boarding is a qualified teacher, and house staff are separate from teaching staff to provide a break from academic life.

The school is located in the picturesque village of Shrewton, near Salisbury, and occupies a grey stone manor with extensive fields and outdoor play areas. The small size of the school and close-knit community support the children’s emotional and mental health needs, with a counsellor, ELSA-trained staff, and a peer-mentoring system in place. The school also enrols children in the Thrive Programme to guard against adolescent dangers.

Occupational and Speech and Language Therapists are on-site to fulfil EHCP requirements, working closely with class teachers to support students’ needs. The admin staff are highly praised by parents, and teaching staff are carefully selected for their expertise and enthusiasm.

The school has a diverse mix of students, including those from independent and mainstream primary schools, as well as a contingent from HM forces. Most students have EHCPs, and boarders come from across the UK and beyond. The school uniform is smart and practical, and students are confident and engaged in their work.

Parents are actively involved in the school community, with a PTA that raises funds for various projects and supports families in need. Communication between the school and parents is excellent, with regular updates and virtual meetings.

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