Student Stories
Ella
Small classes, one-to-one attention, a consistent approach and 24 hour care have helped residential student Ella make noticeable progress.
Ella, who is 13, has Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare neurological and skin disorder. As a two-year-old, Ella underwent major brain surgery in an attempt to control her seizures and still needs round-the-clock care. Now, at St Piers, she is in a peer group with similar strengths and challenges. Small classes, a modern environment and regular updates are all vital elements for the family.
Elliot
Elliot is happy, content and making real progress. He can now say his own name, enjoys outdoor activities and is even learning to swim.
At Elliot’s first special school, staff were unable to cope with the severity of his epilepsy and, sadly, Elliot stopped making progress educationally. Since joining St Piers School at age seven, Elliot has truly thrived, with physiotherapy, play therapy, intensive interaction and sensory integration therapy all making a difference, along with visits to the farm, sensory garden and woodland walks.
Rebecca
After suffering a devastating brain virus, lively 18-year-old Rebecca is now thriving at St Piers School, enjoying outdoor activities and sports, and developing her interest in beauty therapy.
It all started with a sore throat and headache – innocuous sounding symptoms which, sadly, in Rebecca’s case, led to a coma. Specialists eventually diagnosed a brain virus. During her five week coma, Rebecca suffered constant seizures. She was put on a life support machine and declared brain dead. But, after two-and-a-half weeks, Rebecca woke up.
Hannah
For day student Hannah, support continues long after the school day ends – a vital aspect in managing her complex epilepsy and helping her achieve her potential.
Hannah was diagnosed with myoclonic epilepsy when she was just 17 months old, after her aunt, a children’s nurse, first noticed the signs of the subtle seizures that the little girl was experiencing. Hannah’s first special school could not cope with the frequency and severity of her seizures and the family’s consultant recommended St Piers School.
Tom
For parents and teachers alike, seeing a withdrawn teenager starting to realise his potential and gain the confidence to grow into young adulthood is truly rewarding.
For 18-year-old Tom, joining St Piers School as a residential student has proved a lifechanging experience.
Tom had always found changes in his school day difficult and, when he first came here, he had very limited ability in reading and counting. He really had no interest in learning,
explains mum Susan.
Ian
Ian’s future as a young man with complex epilepsy looked bleak but now, with specialist support and the best possible medical care, he is happy, settled and making progress.
Ian was a bright little boy, developing normally until, just before his seventh birthday, he started to experience seizures. As his epilepsy progressed, parents Duncan and Lorna noticed a significant gap developing between Ian and his peers.
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