Millfield Prep School is a game changer for children with Dyslexia

Millfield Prep School is delighted to receive a glowing report highlighting the wealth or support it offers Dyslexic pupils.

The 450-strong school, in Glastonbury, for ages 2-13, is unreservedly recommended as a CReSTeD school, by the Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils, following a visit in October 2025. 

The school was described by parents as a "game changer" for children who had previously struggled, with them consistently reporting that their children are happy, feel accepted for who they are, and genuinely love coming to school each day. 

The report stated pupils: “who find themselves at Millfield Prep are lucky to have found a nurturing school, which also challenges them.”

It highlighted the wealth of teaching and support in place for pupils with Additional Educational Needs, embedded within the day-to-day life of the school. It praised the support from the Head Dan Thornburn, who actively finds opportunities to improve provision, and how the Personalised Curriculum Centre (PCC) manages both Specific Learning Difficulties, academic support and Social, Emotional and Mental Health. 

About 21% of pupils at Millfield Prep School are dyslexic, with a number of other pupils who have different Additional Educational Needs. All teachers in the school are teachers of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and all teachers work to ensure they are delivering Quality First Teaching so that the needs of the pupils in front of them can be met. 

Pupils described the school as “incredible, positive, fun, sporty, exciting, busy and fantastic”. They felt that the support for their challenges was just part of the school day.

Parents are overwhelmingly positive about their experiences describing a vibrant, energetic, and happy atmosphere, that nurtures its close-knit community feel. They painted a picture of a nurturing environment where children's confidence and self-esteem flourish.

The support provided by the PCC was described as ‘exceptional’ and ‘seamlessly integrated’ into the school day. Parents were particularly pleased that children do not feel singled out. 

The school's proactive and insightful approach to identifying and supporting a range of learning needs was consistently praised. Parents noted that the school often identified challenges that previous schools had not acknowledged.

The school fosters a highly inclusive environment with a core philosophy centred on keeping pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) and AEN integrated within the mainstream classroom wherever possible. Support within the classroom is accessible to any pupil who requires it, not just those with an identified need, which successfully destigmatises the act of seeking help. Pupils with AEN may hold significant positions of responsibility, such as Heads of House.

In boarding, pupils benefit from socially well-designed dorms and predictable routines supported by checklists. 

In the Pre-Prep, early identification and intervention results in proactive management of AEN, and there is a designated SENCO.

Head Dan Thornburn said: “We are delighted that CReSTeD have once again reviewed our provision and given us a glowing report. We strongly believe at Millfield Prep and Millfield that every pupil is capable of success. Our goal is to create a happy, vibrant, and inclusive school where all children feel valued and secure. We understand that pupils’ self-esteem can be affected by neurodiversity and specific learning needs, so we focus on supporting them to gain confidence, encourage a growth mindset and celebrate all the big and small wins.”

Millfield School was founded in 1935 with six Indian Princes, five of whom were dyslexic.