Shapwick School

David gained his Cert. Ed and BA (Hons) degree from the University of Keele.

After working at a range of schools and gaining some experience of dyslexic children in mainstream schools David joined Shapwick in 1983. David and his wife Annette were houseparents at Shapwick for 10 years.

David and Jon (Co Headmaster) organised the first Shapwick Conference in 1986 and presented a lecture on remediating the effects of dyslexia in school and adult life. He has attended many dyslexia conferences including BDA International Conferences and the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Conference. He has spoken at many Dyslexia Association meetings and has provided advice for a variety of schools to enhance their provision for the dyslexic.

He has been a member of the BDA Corporate Members Committee on several occasions over a nine year period.

David’s interests include sport, particularly rugby being an ex-club captain, first 15 captain and social 15 captain. He has run dozens of marathons and half marathons and enjoys bird watching and walking.

Jon was appointed Joint Headmaster (Pastoral) of Shapwick School in 1981 and appointed Joint Headmaster of Edington and Shapwick School in 1994. He is a residential Houseparent at the School, and has done so since 1981, apart from a short break between 2004 and 2009. Jon, with his wife Sandra, are currently Houseparents at The Lakes.

Jon is a Physical Education specialist, and still teaches PE / Games in the Senior School. He has an active interest in Rugby as a Referee and Coach and assists with Club and County level administration. He enjoys being actively involved with student outdoor expeditions.

Jon is committed to supporting every aspect of Young People with Specific Learning Difficulties, enabling them to realise their potential through giving them a positive and rewarding school experience.

Jon has attended many Special Educational Needs Tribunals throughout the country as an expert witness and for three years was a member of the Independent Schools Inspectorate.