We are proud to have been providing education and care for children and young adults with additional needs for 200 years this year!
To celebrate our Bicentenary, we have been delving into our extraordinary history and will be sharing stories and facts that have contributed to the amazing Trust that you see and know today.
Our story starts on 11th June 1823 – when Robert Philips and William Bateman, the founders of our original charity, opened their school for Deaf children. At that time, children who were Deaf were not able to access education and therefore faced incredible inequalities. Eight girls and six boys were given places, funded entirely by public subscriptions. Within four years, demand grew and a purpose-built school was needed.
After a successful start, the school grew and powerful partnerships with local businesses and individuals were formed. As times changed, and Deaf children were finally able to access public schooling, our charity changed too, and adapted to cater for the children who were unable to thrive in mainstream schools due to their additional and complex needs.
Seashell now is a specialist in supporting children and young adults with a range of disabilities. Currently, we educate 122 students in our school and college, 41 of whom live with us here on campus. 653 amazing, talented and caring people call Seashell their workplace, not to mention the 600+ volunteers who have donated their time to support us over the last year. Our facilities and expert team are also crucial to many groups, individuals and organisations, both locally and nationally.
Together, we make a difference, and Seashell holds a special place in the lives of so many people.
Our rich history fuels us to move forwards and we are constantly adapting, growing and developing to ensure we provide the very best for our students, their families and the SEND community.
Every Friday we will be sharing facts and stories from our people on social media, so make sure you follow us and watch out for our #Seashell200 #FactFriday posts. If you have a story relating to Seashell over the years, do get in touch! We would love to hear from you.
