AFTER a school in Somerset was forced to close due to financial difficulties and the coronavirus pandemic, former head teachers have set up their own venture - in one of the buildings.
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
But Gareth Wright and Hellen Lush decided to open a new school in one of the boarding houses for Shapwick - one that wasn’t involved in the insolvency process.
And so Abbot’s Way School in Meare, near Glastonbury, was born to cater for pupils with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and learning differences.
"We managed to acquire the building and invest money into it to turn it into a school," said co-founder and joint headteacher, Gareth Wright.
"It was difficult at the start, but Hellen and I were keen to manage such a dreadful situation and go our own way.
"It is hard to self-reflect when you’re busy.
"This project has never been about self idolization, it has always been about the students and creating an environment the students can be proud of.
"It is about creating a pioneering approach, we have created something that is really fresh and new and no one else does things the way we do – micro-schools like ours are really needed in certain areas.
"We have created a smaller model than Shapwick and have a different approach - we are much smaller, and have a much more holistic environment - with therapy and pastoral care embedded into the curriculum.
"We also have an amazing landscape and do a lot of learning outside. Here - everyday is forest school.
"We are all relieved and proud to get to the this point."
The school opened on January 18 to a select number of pupils to comply with coronavirus guidelines. They welcome day pupils from around Somerset, between the ages of seven and 14.
Next year, the school will increase capacity to include students up to year 11 (age 16).
To find out more visit abbotswayschool.co.uk
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