New Headteacher Marks Unique Chapter at Dyslexia School

Dr’s Daryl and Neville Brown (left and right), Co-Principals of the school are welcoming new headteacher Mr David Lowe (centre) to Maple Hayes

 A fresh chapter begins for a Staffordshire specialist dyslexia school with the appointment of a new headteacher.

Maple Hayes Dyslexia School, based in Staffordshire, has today announced that David Lowe is starting his tenure as Headteacher, beginning this term.

The appointment marks a significant new chapter in the school's history, as this will be the first time someone from outside the Brown family, who set up the school in the 1980s, will be taking on the role. 

Dr Neville Brown, Principal and founder of the school will be joined by his son Dr Daryl Brown who is stepping up from his role as Headteacher to become Co-Principal and part of the governance of the school.

Mr Lowe will be bringing his unique background and passion for special education to lead the school, which is world-renowned for its unique methodology, developed by Dr Neville Brown, in teaching pupils with dyslexia for the past 40 years.

Mr Lowe's journey to Maple Hayes Dyslexia School started with his own educational difficulties before he was himself diagnosed with dyslexia as a 13 year-old student in 1990. He embarked on a personal and professional mission to make a difference in the lives of children facing similar challenges.

Prior to joining Maple Hayes Dyslexia School, Mr Lowe pursued a career in mainstream music teaching along with gaining valuable experience working in diverse educational settings, including the prison teaching service and various specialist institutions, where he provided support for children dealing with significant trauma and special educational needs (SEN).

For the past five years, he served as a senior leader in SEN schools, specialising in autism, while also overseeing the creation and review of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs).

Mr Lowe's experience equips him with a profound understanding of the multifaceted needs of pupils, particularly those with dyslexia and SEN. His journey, from being a student with dyslexia to becoming a teacher with expertise in SEN, reflects his commitment to unlocking the potential of every child.

He said: "Understanding the school and the pupils means seeing nothing as a barrier between the pupil and their future. It's about embracing who they are as people and moving them forward."

He emphasised the importance of fostering confidence among students and creating an environment where school is not perceived as the enemy. This fits perfectly with the supportive family atmosphere of Maple Hayes.

"Many children may have had negative experiences within traditional schooling before starting at Maple Hayes, so it's vital that our school is a place they enjoy coming to," he added.

“We're committed to building upon the existing best practices, and implementing those positive changes which will maintain our international reputation as a beacon of excellence in the field of dyslexia. Our students arrive full of potential but having been held back by negative educational experiences and for some they also might have additional needs. Whilst the best thing we can do for their self-esteem and confidence is to address the dyslexia, we recognise the importance of the broader aspects of their education as we prepare them for their future educational success. Our unique approach, which is unparalleled elsewhere and often goes unnoticed, deserves more recognition, and we're eager to share it with a wider audience,” he said.

Dr Daryl Brown and Dr Neville Brown said they were looking forward to Mr Lowe joining the team.

"This school and my father's work have gained international recognition for our unique approach to dyslexia education. We believe that Mr Lowe's expertise in SEN will help us prepare this remarkable institution for a wider audience."

 Dr Daryl Brown and Dr Neville Brown will continue to be actively involved in the school's governance, admissions, and the ever-evolving landscape of tribunal work. They will also focus on the continuing development of the school's pioneering literacy program, which has garnered international acclaim over the past 40 years.

 He added: “Rest assured, pupils will continue to receive the exceptional and outstanding support for dyslexia that Maple Hayes is renowned for. However, we are now adding another layer of expertise to our offerings, with someone well-versed in the world of special educational needs (SEN) enriching the school's operations. While we remain committed to our core values – Excellence through Understanding in a friendly learning atmosphere - these enhancements will enable us to operate even more efficiently. This marks a pivotal step on the journey towards securing the long-term future of the school, and we are enthusiastic about the possibilities that lie ahead with Mr Lowe on board.”