Specialist dyslexia school looking to open in Ashcott after sudden Shapwick closure

Following the sudden and unexpected closure of Shapwick School at the end of March, a new specialist school is now being developed in Ashcott.

Bradley Middleton, a member of staff that worked in providing pastoral support to the students at Shapwick School, has secured some investment and assembled a small team of individuals qualified to deliver specialist education to children with dyslexia and similar learning differences.

The Levels School will be an independent specialist day school offering education and pastoral care to students with learning differences.

Dyslexic himself, it is Bradley's aim is that the school will encompass "a culture of inclusivity where all students respect and are respected, learning through enquiry and discovery, using a multi-sensory approach, capturing interest and inspiring natural curiosity and creativity".

He has secured a site for The Levels School at Etonhurst, on Bath Road in Ashcott, which was previously a boarding house for Millfield School from 1960 to 2002, and has since been a private residence.

The school will look over the Somerset Levels, which is where it has taken its name from.

With the support of a small number of teachers and therapists from Shapwick School as well as a number of friends, family and other contacts, Bradley's initial vision is fast becoming a reality.

Once on board, a core group of specialist qualified staff started to develop Bradley's vision and began writing the policies needed to apply for Department for Education (DfE) registration.

Bradley said: "It is amazing how much work has been done behind the scenes by such a dedicated team of professionals.

"This is all the more impressive without being able to meet face to face due to social distancing measures and the back drop of the coronavirus.

"The Levels School has become a labour of love driven by individuals passionate about providing specialist education to the vulnerable individuals that have come to rely and trust in them.

"As we wait for DfE approval we are planning the minimal conversions Etonhurst needs, aiming to welcome children to the school as soon as the autumn term starts or whenever schools are allowed to reopen, whichever is sooner."