Former Maple Hayes Pupil Goes from Struggling Reader to High-Flying Graduate

A former pupil of specialist dyslexia school Maple Hayes Hall who struggled with severe reading and writing difficulties has achieved a first-class honours degree in Aerospace Engineering and Aircraft Maintenance from Coventry University, graduating with the highest grade percentage in his class.

Harry Baller joined Maple Hayes School in Lichfield in Year 5, having previously struggled in mainstream education despite attending a private school. 

Before joining Maple Hayes, Harry had been diagnosed with severe dyslexia at age eight, with his learning development beginning to stagnate despite one-to-one support.

The now successful graduate has not only excelled in his university studies, but has also passed the entrance exam for Leading Edge, a prestigious commercial pilots' school in Oxford. Upon completing his pilot training, Harry with British Airways, fulfilling his lifelong ambition to become a commercial pilot.

Harry said: "I still have dyslexia, but no longer suffer from it. None of this would have been possible without Maple Hayes. They taught me not just about learning, but about perseverance, patience, and the power of believing in oneself."

Harry's transformation at Maple Hayes was evident from his first term, with improvements in his reading age, grammar, and attendance. Despite the school's demanding schedule that included extended hours, Harry thrived in the specialist environment. His hard work culminated in passing all eight of his GCSEs, including crucial subjects like Maths and English.

Following his GCSEs, Harry progressed to Solihull College to study Aerospace Engineering, achieving the grades needed to secure his place at Coventry University. Throughout his educational journey, the foundation built at Maple Hayes continued to support his success.

Dr Daryl Brown, Co-Principal at Maple Hayes Hall, said: "Harry's achievement exemplifies what we strive for at Maple Hayes. His journey from struggling with basic literacy to achieving the highest grades in his university class demonstrates how our unique teaching approach can transform lives. We're incredibly proud of Harry and excited to see him pursue his dream of becoming a commercial pilot."

Maple Hayes teaches using their unique 'morphological approach', which uses icons to make visual links between meaning and spelling instead of traditional phonics methods. This specialist approach, combined with techniques such as cursive writing with fountain pens, helps dyslexic pupils develop strong literacy skills through kinaesthetic learning.

Harry has now begun his commercial pilot training at Leading Edge and the 16-20 month course leading directly to his position with British Airways.

For further details about Maple Hayes Hall School visit: www.dyslexia.school