AFTER Shapwick School closed last year, staff members decided they needed to find somewhere else for their pupils.

Bradley Middleton - who worked at the school - decided to call on ex-staff members and ask for their help to create a new school.

And so Mr Middleton found Etonhurst, in Street, an ex-Millfield school boarding house, where he set up The Levels School.

"I've gifted all teachers shares in the school," said Mr Middleton, who is now director of operations.

"So it is our school, not just mine - it is a team effort."

Shapwick School near Bridgwater closed permanently in March 2020 after 45 years.

It is understood the school's demise came after protracted financial difficulties and at a point when it was facing the likelihood of losing fee income as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

READ MORE: Shock as Shapwick School closes after 45 years

The Levels School has tennis courts, an art classroom, music block and more. They cater for children from 8 to 18 years who have dyslexia and co-occurring difficulties.

Somerset County Gazette: Students at The Levels School in Ashcott

“It has been a rollercoaster of emotion since Shapwick closed," added Mr Middleton.

"Because everyone’s passion is teaching, everyone is determined.

"It is tiring now as some kids have been out of school for almost a year, but everyone has done extremely well.

"We have 20 students who were previously at Shapwick, but now we have brand new enquiries."

Two previous staff members of Shapwick School also opened a new school recently - Abbot's Way School in Meare.

READ MORE: Abbot's Way School in Meare, Glastonbury, opens

At the moment, The Levels School has just under 30 students in school, and the staff are tested for Covid-19 twice a week.

“We are looking forward to the future, we know we’re going to grow and it will be nice to have the school at almost full capacity,” added Mr Middleton.