My child attended Appleford from Year 5 through to GCSEs. In the early years, the school made a meaningful impact—helping her go from a non-reader to a functional reader. She accessed learning through adaptations and multi-sensory techniques, felt part of the school community, and thrived in a hands-on, strengths-based environment that embraced practical learning across subjects.
Sadly, this supportive, multi-faceted approach did not continue into upper school. From Year 7 onwards, the curriculum narrowed, and multi-sensory learning was largely replaced by traditional, rigid methods. My child became disengaged, unsupported, and left with very little to show for six years of education. More seriously, she developed severe PTSD linked to her experience, which still affects her today.
If you're considering Appleford, I strongly urge you to ask detailed questions before enrolling. A specialist school should welcome scrutiny and be able to demonstrate how it meets the diverse, evolving needs of its pupils—especially in upper school, where the stakes are higher and the risks of disengagement are real.
📝 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling:
- ❓ Are all teachers qualified and registered, with additional training in SPLD and associated conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, and trauma-informed practice?
- 📄 Can the school provide proof of staff qualifications and training—both for teachers and support staff?
- 👥 What training do support staff have in areas commonly seen in adolescents with SPLD and comorbid conditions, such as:
- School refusal
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety
- Communication difficulties
- 🧠 What multi-sensory and hands-on learning approaches are used in upper school, across all subjects—not just the occasional practical lesson?
- 📚 What is the GCSE pass rate, and how do they support students who struggle with abstract or theory-heavy content?
- 🎓 How do they prevent disengagement, especially for neurodiverse pupils, when GCSE options are limited or poorly matched to individual strengths?
- 📁 Can they show examples of pupil work across a range of abilities—not just high achievers or showcase pieces?
- 📅 What is the attendance record like? A high rate of non-attendance should raise serious concerns—why would pupils avoid a school that claims to be supportive?
Please don’t rely solely on the school’s promotional materials or open day impressions. Seek out independent reviews—not just from parents and pupils, but also from
former staff. Ex-employees can offer valuable insight into the culture, consistency of support, and how well the school lives up to its claims behind the scenes.