A NEW specialist independent school which specialises in helping children who have been adversely affected by their dyslexia and other difficulties is set to open near Bridgwater.

The Levels School in Ashcott was the brainchild of Bradley Middleton, who worked at Shapwick School until it closed in March after 45 years of being open.

He was inspired to start the school after working at Shapwick School and seeing that there was a need for good quality education for children with learning difficulties.

Bradley decided he wanted to set up a school for these children and spoke to a few people including Caroline Cook, the new headteacher of The Levels School, about getting the project off the ground.

“We started with nothing and then got everything up and running,” Caroline said.

“We had to find a premises, find teachers, get all of the required education accreditations sorted and try and get a base of pupils to work from.

“We now have a beautiful premises and a great team and about 20 pupils on our books which is amazing.

“A number of staff from Shapwick School have also come over to work with us and we have some fantastic teachers who are fully qualified to help pupils with different learning needs.”

Caroline said the school was due to open earlier this year but the opening was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

She said the response to the school has been ‘extremely positive’ and staff are looking forward to opening their doors to students.

“The response we have had from families so far has been fantastic,” Caroline said.

“Everyone has been extremely positive about what we are trying to create here. It’s lovely to see.

“We have already been doing some work with students since September in a Covid secure way but we can’t wait to open the school early next year. We’re really looking forward to the future and to welcoming more students through our doors in the years to come.”

For more information visit www.thelevelsschool.co.uk.