Shapwick School

Chalice School was founded in September 1974 in Glastonbury by the late Colin Atkinson, CBE, a former headmaster of Millfield School, with the sole purpose of helping those whose education would otherwise be sabotaged by dyslexia.

Hillside was the name of the original boarding house, with Glastonbury Tor immediately behind it, (now two of our House names). Pupils were bussed to Burtle, being the old LEA school. The Old Vicarage at Burtle was purchased and boys moved in there for the senior house.

Edington Senior School started in 1981, which was run on the Burtle site with Steve Chinn as Head of Department.

In 1984 Shapwick Senior School started with David Walker and Jon Whittock as Joint Headmasters.

The two schools operated in partnership, but were very much separate entities until 1994 when the schools merged and became Edington & Shapwick School. The Joint Headmasters were appointed to manage the operations of both sites and ensure a close working relationship.

In Spring 2008 the Atkinson family sold the school to Kedleston UK which is a leading provider of specialist education services with a portfolio of four schools in the UK. The development marked an exciting milestone in the school’s history as the new owners have numerous expansion plans for the school with new investment projects planned.

From September 2009 the schools were renamed Shapwick Prep and Shapwick Senior School to reflect how both schools work closely together, and mark the 35th anniversary year. The new visual identity helps communicate the school’s position as a modern, progressive education provider and a leader in the field.

As one of the first and largest specialist schools for children with dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia the school is very proud of its staffs’ experience at understanding each child’s individual needs and helping them to grow into confident, skilled and happy adults ready to take the next stage in their life.