Wiltshire Dyslexia-friendly Schools project July 2023

The following primary and secondary schools across Wiltshire have successfully achieved the British Dyslexia Association Dyslexia-friendly Schools quality mark, which is considered the 'gold standard' in recognising effective practice supporting pupils with dyslexia and literacy difficulties.

• Malmesbury CE Primary School
• Lyneham Primary School
• Kings Lodge Primary School
• The Clarendon Academy
• The Trafalgar School
• Zouch Academy
• Royal Wootton Bassett Academy
• St Mark's CE Junior School, Salisbury
• St Peter's CE Primary School, Salisbury
• Southbroom St James Academy
• Sarum Academy
• Wilton CE Primary School

The award is issued to schools or organisations that can demonstrate that they provide high quality education and/or practice for dyslexic individuals. Obtaining the Quality Mark provides a framework for schools to improve their understanding of dyslexia and literacy difficulties and to develop strategies that support the achievement and engagement of dyslexic learners. Becoming a dyslexia friendly school requires the involvement and commitment of all of those within the school, and a review of the school's approaches to teaching and learning; monitoring and assessment; differentiation; and high-quality practice across the range of ability and need.

The schools have been supported by the Wiltshire Specialist SEN Service (SSENS) on this two-year project, and have demonstrated effective practice in 20 standards covering the areas of leadership and management, quality of learning, climate for learning and partnership with parents and carers.

The focus on dyslexia-friendly provision has been recognised beyond Wiltshire, with examples of excellent practice in Wiltshire schools included in a film series, 'The Power of Assistive Technology', and Wiltshire Specialist SEN Service staff invited to speak at Westminster.

Following the success of the project, Wiltshire Council has launched a second project, which will see training and support for a further 15 schools to achieve the quality mark, from September 2023.

Anyone who would like to find out more about dyslexia in Wiltshire will be able to attend a free drop-in event at County Hall, Trowbridge on 5 October 2023, to mark Dyslexia Awareness Week.

If you would like to find out more about the support for dyslexia in Wiltshire, please read the comprehensive document on support and identification for learners that can be found by visiting the Right Choice: SSENS resource page (opens new window).

The Wiltshire Parent Carer Council have a link to information and contact details for two local dyslexia groups, Wiltshire Dyslexia Association and the Marlborough and District Dyslexia Association (opens new window).