Shapwick School

Shapwick School is a pioneering co-educational day and boarding school that occupies two separate sites, which are both situated on the delightful Somerset levels, near to the coast, the Mendips, Quantocks and Exmoor. As a CReSTeD category ‘SP’ School, Shapwick specialises in supporting boys and girls aged 6 to 19 years whose education has been adversely affected by dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia. To achieve this we have brought together a team of specialist teachers, speech & language therapists and occupational therapists who deliver to small classes (average size is 8) and individuals. The school is genuinely co-educational: over 45 girls and approximately 105 boys share in all social and academic activities, segregated only in housing.

Shapwick Prep supports children up to the age of 13 years. It is a small campus based in the picturesque village of Burtle. Pupils study Maths and English every morning to focus on their essential literacy and numeracy skills. The afternoon timetable is then dedicated to all other subjects.

Shapwick Senior and Sixth Form are based on the Shapwick campus. A balanced programme within Year 9 ensures pupils experience all specialist subjects before selecting those to study at GCSE level. Most take seven or eight subjects, including English Language, Mathematics and Science. Choices are then made from an array of optional subjects. Shapwick Sixth Form is delivered via a partnership with Bridgwater College. Students have the opportunity to study a mainstream programme at the College, but return to Shapwick for dedicated study support.

As the country’s first, and one of the largest specialist schools for children with dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia, we boast over 35 years’ experience of understanding the challenges that the conditions present. We offer tailored support to help overcome individual weaknesses. We provide a balanced curriculum, sympathetic to the specific demands that dyslexia presents. Support is integrated, rather than just an add-on as commonly offered in many non-specialist schools, where pupils may visit a dedicated unit once a week but then have to struggle with a non-specialist curriculum for the remainder of the week.

Our pupils are bright and inquisitive but have difficulty with the mechanics of English and Maths, poor classroom skills, making independent working, copying from the board, concentrating and remembering instructions/data challenging. Despite our pupils’ difficulties they also have a range of strengths. We therefore strive to ensure they develop their talents, whether it be personal growth in, for example the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, or academic success of which we are particularly proud. In 2008 75% of pupils achieved five or more GCSEs at grade C or above.

However, don’t just take our word for it, book an appointment and come and see the school in action. We are very proud of our school and the pupils’ success and would love to show you round.

David Walker and Jon Whittock
Joint Headmasters