Specialist dyslexia school in Ashcott is given the green light

Plans for a new specialist school in Ashcott have been approved by district councillors.

Shapwick School closed its doors at the end of March, leaving more than 50 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) without a suitable place.

A new organisation called The Levels School put forward plans to turn a former boarding house in Ashcott into a new school which could replace Shapwick and provide additional places in the process.

This school has now been given the green light by Sedgemoor District Council following a virtual meeting of its development committee on Tuesday afternoon (August 4).

The new school will be created by converting Etonhurst off the A39 Bath Road, which was once owned and operated by Millfield School.

The new facility will provide education for up to 65 pupils with dyslexia or other learning difficulties.

Head teacher Caroline Cook said: "More than 35 families are depending on us as their school provision for the next academic year.

"We were fortunate enough to secure the Etonhurst property to be the location of our new school. Etonhurst is the ideal location for us because of its proximity to the former Shapwick School, local services, bus routes and playing fields.

"The property is the perfect size and boasts suitability given its former use as a boarding house."

While the existing A39 access will continue to be used for deliveries, parents and pupils will mainly reach the site through King's Lane in the north of the village, not far from Ashcott Primary School.

This road is not part of Somerset County Council's adopted road network, with the neighbouring properties paying for its upkeep.

Adrian Smith, speaking on behalf of the applicant, told the development committee: "The proposal will fill a gaping hole in specialist schooling provision.

"The proposed site is ideal for this purpose. I am confident the facility will be an asset to the area."

Councillor Bill Revans welcomed the plans, and said: "The closure of Shapwick School has left a huge gap."

Councillor Alan Bradford added: "We need these schools in these areas.

"I do welcome this – places like this are so much needed. Any problems can be ironed out with a bit of talking and common sense."

The committee voted unanimously to approve the plans after less than an hour's debate. The school will open its doors in September, initially accommodating 40 pupils and 17 members of staff, rising to 65 pupils in the future.