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 head teacher Stella Wilson, former parent Dr James Chadwick and current pupils. click here to listen to the MP3 file.
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.
18/08/09 - Former Scotland lacrosse star takes up the leadership of Appleford School
Appleford School starts the new school year by welcoming its new head, former Scotland lacrosse star Lesley Nell.
Lesley has played international level lacrosse for Scotland and was a member of the GB training squad. She was also a member of the East of England lacrosse team.
Trained initially at Bedford College of Physical Education she is passionate about education - deciding that she wanted to enter the profession at the age of 12! After further studies at Homerton College Cambridge and University of East Anglia, she specialised in teaching in the preparatory school age range.
Her most challenging and satisfying project was to set up the Junior Department of Dover College from scratch.
She comes to Appleford from Orchard Close, the junior school of Sibford School, Oxfordshire where she was also Head. 50% of her pupils had dyslexia and associated learning difficulties. It is there that Lesley developed an affinity for children with dyslexia - enjoying seeing them blossom and flourish.
“Parents of children at Orchard Close told me I had made a positive difference to their children and I wanted the opportunity to continue in this field” says Lesley.
“On visiting Appleford School I fell in love with the school and its community and was thrilled to be offered the post of Head.”
“Appleford is a small school, specialising in providing an excellent education for children with dyslexia and associated learning difficulties in the age range I enjoy the most.”
Lesley says: “I hope to uphold the high expectations and standards set by my predecessor Stella Wilson who led the Appleford team to achieve a double Outstanding Ofsted grade in both education and care. I admire Stella’s passion for excellence in the education of dyslexic children and will take inspiration from her.”
“My hope is to continue to make improvements to enable the children to carry on enjoying learning, developing their talents and passions, and loving coming to school. I aim to champion dyslexia as a gift, not a hindrance to achievement.”
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.
