Foundation of the School
Appleford School, a unique educational institution specializing in teaching students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia, was founded in 1988 by Dr. Peter Gardner and Gerald Trump. Dr. Gardner, a certified educational psychologist, forensic psychologist, and consultant psychologist with the British Psychological Society, alongside Gerald Trump, laid the foundation for Appleford School. It has since become a beacon of excellence in special education.
Initially serving students aged 7 to 13, the school expanded its services to include students up to 18 years old, offering BTEC and GCSE programs. Appleford School’s commitment to excellence is further emphasized by its accreditation with the Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils (CReSTeD).
Awards and Recognition
Appleford School’s dedication to providing quality education has been recognized by various organizations over the years. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school as “excellent” in all areas in 2012, 2015, and 2023. In 2018, the school met all standards during a compliance inspection. Appleford School’s excellence was also highlighted at the Independent School Awards, where it was shortlisted in two categories in 2014 and 2015, won the Outstanding Sport (Small School) award in 2018, and was shortlisted for Outstanding Learning Support in 2019.
In 2021, Appleford received the Bronze Lockdown Hero Award for supporting students and the community during the pandemic at the Pearson National Teaching Awards. In both 2021 and 2022, the school was shortlisted for the Small Independent School of the Year at the Independent School of the Year Awards.
Academic Performance and Achievements
Over the past seven years, Appleford School has shown consistent improvement in GCSE/BTEC exam results, often surpassing those of mainstream schools in many subjects. Appleford School’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in its action plans for subjects needing enhancement, monitored by the leadership team and the owner. The school’s expansion from a preparatory to a full senior school has led to an increase in the number of students taking exams and a broader range of courses offered.
