Abbot's Way School
Updated July 2026
Abbot's Way School is an independent specialist day school for students aged 7–16 with specific learning differences, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. It is dedicated to providing a holistic, multisensory education that enables students to thrive and reach their full potential.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school’s ethos is built on the cornerstone values of honesty, kindness, courage, and endeavour. It employs a holistic, student-led approach that recognizes the 'brilliance' and talent of neurodiverse students, aiming to remove barriers to learning through visual, active, and experiential multisensory teaching. The school emphasizes the importance of pastoral care and nurturing, ensuring that students feel safe and understood among peers with similar learning profiles.
Programmes
The school offers a 'Learn to Thrive' curriculum that is tailored to individual student profiles and emphasizes 'learning by doing.' Academic pathways are designed to span from Key Stage 3 to A-Level, incorporating subjects such as English, Literacy, Science, Maths, Humanities, Creative Arts, and Design and Technology. The curriculum is supported by the 'Venture' programme, which focuses on outdoor learning, and 'Learning for Life,' which addresses personal development and social-emotional skills.
Outcomes
The school focuses on enabling students to achieve their personal potential, both academically and pastorally, by fostering self-belief and self-esteem. Students are prepared for future success through a curriculum that utilizes various accreditation methods, including GCSE, Entry Level Certificates (ELC), and Unit Award Scheme (UAS) qualifications.
Student support
Learning support
The school employs a dedicated Therapy and Nurture Team, including highly specialist speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA). Support is integrated into the school day through personalized programs, ongoing assessment, and the use of dynamic IEPs that are updated to reflect each student's evolving profile. The school also utilizes a 'Thrive' approach to support emotional development and well-being.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The school welcomes students aged 7–16 with a primary diagnosis of dyslexia, dyspraxia, and/or dyscalculia. The admissions process involves the submission of current educational psychologist, speech and language, and occupational therapy reports, followed by a school visit, a taster week for the student, and an initial review meeting 12 weeks after placement. The school works in liaison with local authorities and parents to support a smooth transition and the implementation of an Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Calendar
The school operates on a three-term structure. The Summer Term 2026 runs from 20 April to 10 July, with a half-term break from 22 May to 1 June. The Autumn Term 2026 begins on 1 September and concludes on 4 December, with a half-term break from 16 October to 2 November.
About the campus
Located in the village of Meare, Somerset, the campus offers panoramic views of the Mendip hills and the Somerset Levels. The setting is described as beautiful and welcoming, with a calm and therapeutic environment designed to support students with specific learning differences.
- Hellen PapworthJoint Heads, Co Directors and Proprietors
Hellen Papworth is a Joint Head, Co-Director, and Proprietor with over 40 years of experience in education, including 30 years in the SEN sector and 20 years in senior leadership and headship. She is a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead responsible for the whole school curriculum, beliefs, ethos, community links, and business development.
- Gareth WrightJoint Heads, Co Directors and Proprietors
Gareth Wright is a Joint Head, Co-Director, and Proprietor with over 40 years of experience in education, including 30 years in the SEN sector and 20 years in senior leadership and headship. He is a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead with a focus on pastoral care, health and safety, estates, outdoor activities, marketing, community links, and business development.
- Anne BakerSENCO
Anne Baker is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and the school's SENCO. She has over 30 years of teaching experience, including 19 years in a specialist school for students with specific learning difficulties, and has previously served on governing bodies as a parent governor.
- Kirsty HaddletonAssistant Head - Pastoral
Kirsty Haddleton is an Assistant Head - Pastoral, a teacher of Learning for Life and Humanities, and a Designated Safeguarding Lead. She has extensive teaching experience across key stages and curriculum areas, including SEN, and is an advocate for harnessing the lateral thinking gifts of dyslexic students.