Two Aspris schools in Somerset for students with special needs have launched a new web portal to meet the growing demand from overseas families.
The new online resource focuses on North Hill House School in Frome, and Mark College (now known as Sedgemoor Manor School) in Highbridge, which specialise in supporting young people with learning difficulties. The new portal is easy to navigate with key information for the guardians of young people living overseas including admission support, ‘where to start’ details and videos featuring interviews with parents, students, teachers and principals.
Education and care available
Mark College is a specialist residential school for boys and girls aged ten to 19 with language disorders, dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia. North Hill House is an independent specialist day and residential school for boys and girls aged seven to 19, provides education for those with autism and Asperger Syndrome. Pupils from overseas currently make up about 20 percent of the student population at Mark College with students coming from as far away as Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Dubai, Turkey, Malaysia, Italy, Germany, Hong Kong, Holland, Switzerland and Russia. Both establishments are experts in their fields and are adept at enabling students to meet their full potential and succeed both academically and socially.
Feedback from parents
The mother of an international student at Mark College said: "I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mark College and the fabulous team in assisting me in completing all formalities for my son’s admission. As a mother, especially coming from the Middle East, I am truly moved by the tremendous support provided to me.
“It has been just a year since my son has joined the college and I see remarkable progress in his development - which is exhibited in his actions. The positive progress in my son would not have been possible without the help and support of your esteemed college and the wonderful team - No words are enough to express my gratitude – thank you! The education system of your college including the boarding school concept is new to us and I am truly impressed by its returns – I truly see a big difference in my son."
Feedback from students
A year nine international student said: “When I first visited Mark College I was a bit nervous and I thought there would be loads of other students. But then I found there weren't very many and now I know everyone’s name and have made lots of friends.
“We get our own room in the boarding house which is good. We have film nights, skiing trips, horse riding, beach trips, rugby club, take-away night and lots of other sports.You get lots of help in lessons from the staff – my favourite subjects are PE, Geography and History. I love learning about maps and different places. It’s nice that there are other students from different countries – I have learnt loads about other cultures.”
Creating the right environment
Principal at North Hill House, said: “We welcome young people from all over the world into our community. Parents can be assured that our secure and beautiful rural site in the picturesque English market town of Frome in Somerset, is a safe and healthy place for any child to achieve and grow.”
Principal at Mark College, said: “The aims of Mark College are truly child-centred and our mission is to enable every one of our young people from overseas to feel that they belong to a warm, calm and friendly community, whatever their personal histories, circumstances, abilities and aspirations.”
For more details on Aspris Children's Services, please call 0118 970 8068 or click here to make an enquiry.