A traditional day, weekly and full boarding school in Wiltshire for students aged from seven to 18 years with specific learning difficulties, mainly dyslexia and dyspraxia.

Appleford School is a traditional day and boarding school for students aged seven to 18 years with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and associated learning needs.

Founded in 1988, this small rural school of around 150 boys and girls, Appleford delivers a more creative, nurturing and supportive alternative to mainstream education. As well as offering a range of academic, practical and vocational subjects through to GCSE level, the school focuses on encouraging achievement in sporty, creative and adventurous activities.

Headmistress Fiona Filkins says:

“To me, there are no ‘special needs’ children at Appleford – simply boys and girls who, with the right specialist teaching, support and encouragement can, and do, go on to great things.

“By combining this belief with the traditional values of politeness and good manners, determination and a desire to succeed, Applefordians have a genuine and well-founded pride in their school." 

It gives a strong indication of the type of education your child will have here – Appleford is focused on helping your child to overcome the barriers to learning and success posed by their specific learning and language difficulties.

The school balances the academic with personal and social skills to ensure that students not only leave the school with GCSE grades and BTEC certificates, but also with the life skills that come with completing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and activities as varied as horse riding, judo, tennis and yoga.

The school also recognises that it needs to offer more than good teaching and intervention to promote student wellbeing. It is actively building a culture of inclusivity within the school, where difference is normalised and accepted, and where student happiness is a priority.

As well as the counselling support from staff (and a few friendly dogs) students play a key role in wellbeing as Peer Mentors and Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. Its location in Wiltshire, in a rural village setting where children get plenty of fresh air, really contributes to its nurturing ethos too.

Curriculum

From Year 4 to Year 11, all teaching at Appleford is focused on giving children “the confidence to learn”. One of the key reasons why a parent may consider a specialist school such as Appleford is because they want to move them to an environment in which they can feel confident and comfortable. In a mainstream school, where teachers may not have the time or expertise to teach SEN students effectively, children can lack self-worth and self-esteem. 

At Appleford, students do not have the stigma of being labelled as a ‘special needs’ child. As Headmistress Fiona Filkins says, “Our pupils are seen as individuals and every part of their growth is encouraged and nurtured, whether this is academic success or personal development.” And this can make all the difference.

While teaching at Appleford is based on the National Curriculum for England, it offers a much broader curriculum that focuses on subject areas where students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties can thrive.

The school is fully authorised to teach children with dyslexia. It is approved by CReSTeD (Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Children) and is a member of the BDA (British Dyslexic Association), which both recognise Appleford’s excellence in teaching and supporting children with dyslexia.

There’s a greater emphasis on literacy and numeracy skills, and a combination of teacher support and ICT provision to help students access the full range of subjects they need to progress through senior school. In the Prep school, there’s a Creative Curriculum that uses more creative and active teaching strategies than a traditional primary school. There’s also plenty of time spent learning outdoors, enjoying the activities of Forest School and looking after the school’s vegetable garden and polytunnel.

Each student has an individual timetable that may include individual or small group support from in-house, Occupational and Speech and Language Therapists and the Pastoral Team; there’s also the much-loved therapy dog Chewie.

This all sets Appleford School apart from mainstream schools. While students may struggle with a traditional curriculum where their literacy skills may see them placed in lower sets, this school’s bespoke curriculum allows students to realise their strengths while developing their weaker skill areas. It teaches core subjects such as math and science based on the needs of dyslexics; has small class sizes of 10-14 where students receive plenty of individual attention; and teaching staff are qualified and experienced in working with students who have dyslexia.

As part of the full curriculum, students’ study for GCSEs or GCSE-equivalent vocational courses over three rather than two years (Years 8-10); this extra time can help them to perform on a level playing field with their peers.

Facilities including a fully equipped science lab, two computer suites, an art block with pottery kiln and a sports hall with climbing wall and a food technology room support the broad curriculum.

Beyond the classroom

Appleford challenges and pushes its students to achieve in various non-academic areas. Life here is very active and outdoorsy too. There are weekly clubs such as horse riding, judo, tennis, yoga, music and LAMDA, and two hours of timetabled activities every week. 

Every child from Year 9 onwards takes part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and there’s an annual ‘Appleford Challenge’ which has previously included the famous 3 Peaks Challenge and cycling 160 miles from Appleford to the Houses of Parliament along the canal path. And, as well as playing rugby, cricket, athletics, gymnastics, netball, football and rounders, trampolining, tennis and badminton in PE lessons, students can take part in competitive sport at all ages.

Boarding

Students are grouped by age into four single-sex boarding houses, three on campus and one in the village of Shrewton for Seniors. Most students are full boarders, but there is an option for flexi boarding if day pupils need to ‘stay over’ for a night.

Students stay in their houses for homework, sleep and socialising in the common room, and all boarders come together for meals in the school dining room and for evening and weekend activities. In the most senior boarding house, Year 11 boarders learn independent skills such as laundry, cooking and basic maintenance.

Admission and fees

Appleford enrols students aged seven to 18 years with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and associated learning needs. To apply, parents must submit relevant medical information, and students are invited for a three-day taster visit.

Annual fees range from £20,565 to £21,696 for day students, and are £32,868 for boarders. Some students are funded by local authorities through Education Health Care Plans (EHCPS).

Our view

Good for: There’s a very positive learning atmosphere and supportive that supports a full curriculum leading to GCSEs and BTECs in a range of subjects.

If your child is struggling within a mainstream school, the small class sizes, ICT provision and specialist resources, and teachers with specialist qualifications and experience can offer your child the tailormade education they need – and deserve. And despite being a small school, Appleford is also offering an holistic education where your child can enjoy plenty of co-curricular clubs and activities, sport and outdoor pursuits. 

Not for: Appleford is not a mainstream school so enrolment is for children with dyslexia and other learning difficulties only. Also, if your child has mild dyslexia they may still benefit more from being a mainstream state or private school where they can get the help they need.

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