The Springfields Academy in Calne has become the first specialist school in the UK to receive the Dyslexia Friendly Award from the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) - a recognition of its commitment to inclusive education and support for students with dyslexia.
The award celebrates schools that go above and beyond in understanding and meeting the needs of dyslexic learners. It also signals to parents, pupils, and the wider community that the school environment is both inclusive and supportive.
Springfields worked closely with the Wiltshire Specialist SEND Service to achieve the accreditation, developing new resources, strategies and family workshops aimed at raising awareness and celebrating learning differences. Staff have also produced a series of online videos to help parents understand more about dyslexia and the support available.
Dyslexia affects around one in ten people and can impact reading, writing, and information processing skills. However, as staff at Springfields emphasise, it also brings unique strengths - particularly in creative and visual thinking.
Headteacher Nicola Whitcombe said the award was “a wonderful milestone” for the school community. “It reflects the hard work our staff have put in to support students and their families,” she said. “It reinforces our commitment to raising awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the unique strengths that dyslexic students bring to our classrooms.”
Tom Leverage, CEO of Reach South Academy Trust, added: “We are incredibly proud that Springfields has become the first specialist setting to achieve the BDA’s Dyslexia Friendly Award. This recognition highlights the dedication of our staff to creating an environment where every child can thrive.”
The school hopes its success will encourage other settings to follow suit, promoting greater understanding of dyslexia across Wiltshire and beyond.
