Cal's story

Cal Ruddy is an ex pupil of our school, he was with us for 10 years. He wanted to share his story

West Kirby School helped shape who I am today. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome when I was 8 years old after struggling in mainstream primary education. I was a highly anxious child and I was quite shy at that age too. West Kirby School gave me the nurture and encouragement I needed and I am so, so proud that I was once a student at the school. Teachers and support staff helped me so much and encouraged my love of English Literature, Music, History and Drama and I have so many fond memories of being involved in school plays and other productions. My confidence grew over the years and I made friendships that are still going strong to this day.

While I was at school I started to teach myself how to play guitar and sing. My earliest musical performances were at the School and this led me onto becoming a Singer/Songwriter.

In 2017, I was lucky enough to go on a songwriting trip to Nashville, USA. WKS held a fundraising show in Feb 2017 that I headlined with my band. The night was a great success and it was emotional to see so many teachers, staff and students past and present in attendance cheering me on.

WKS to me was like a big family, they want the very best for their students. I feel that attending WKS gave me confidence socially and emotionally and I had the right support in place for me to succeed academically.

In the years since I left the school I have performed across the UK and Italy and in the US. I have been on Radio and TV locally, regionally and nationally talking about Music and performing but also raising awareness of Autism and Asperger’s and reinforcing the positive message that just because a young person has a diagnosis it doesn’t mean that they can’t or won’t achieve in life.

I feel that if wasn’t for the support I had growing up in WKS I wouldn’t have achieved what I have achieved to date.  I am currently studying an Arts and Humanities degree with the Open University, again if it wasn’t for the support I received at school I wouldn’t have the confidence to achieve at this level.

Thank you West Kirby School for making me who I am today. I wouldn’t be the same without the support and guidance of the teachers and staff and the students I grew up with. 

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