The History of Knowl Hill School

Honoring Legacy and Empowering Minds

The story of Knowl Hill School (KHS) - established in 1977 around a humble kitchen table, KHS embarked on a pioneering journey to redefine special education. Angela Bareford and Judy Schiller, the visionary co-founders, ignited the flame of hope and learning for students with dyslexia, carving a path that transformed lives for decades to come.

In the early days, their pioneering spirit was fueled by the invaluable contributions of Norma Todd, whose financial acumen and administrative prowess fortified the school's foundations. As the school expanded, Angela assumed the mantle of the first Headteacher, nurturing an educational environment tailored to each student's unique needs, while Norma deftly orchestrated the financial framework that supported the school's growth. 

Despite initial challenges, the founder's relentless determination propelled the student count from a modest four to an impressive 65. Their audacious decision to establish a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school for dyslexic students was a revolutionary, underscoring KHS as a beacon of hope, learning, and limitless possibilities. 

Every year, at the close of May, the KHS community comes together to commemorate Founders Day, a poignant tribute to the indelible mark left by Angela Bareford and Norma Todd. Their unwavering dedication and foresight continue to inspire generations, underscoring KHS as a beacon of hope, learning and limitless possibilities. 

Join us in celebrating the legacy of KHS, where every mind is empowered, and every dream finds wings to soar. 

As the school thrives, the spirit of it's founders remains ingrained in every facet of its operations. The Board of Directors and Headteacher, steadfast in their commitment, uphold the founders' ethos, safeguarding the school's standards and fostering an environment where every child's potential is cherished and nurtured. 

Today, the KHS legacy lives on, resonating in the in the accomplishments of countless students who have graced its halls. Empowered by the school's nurturing ethos, students have embraced a life of limitless possibilities, pursuing further and higher education and realising their dreams beyond the corridors of KHS. 

With a growing student body, the appointment of a dedicated team of specialist teacher, therapists and administrative staff became imperative. While the tireless teachers and therapists formed the heart of the institution, and administrative staff worked diligently behind the scenes, ensuring seamless operations and compliance with regulatory bodies. Their collective efforts formed the bedrock on which the school's success story was built.