Best school in Merseyside?

[Ifionlyhadabrain]

Hi there,help required.

Does anyone have any experience of Merseyside schools and which would be best? I have a DS aged 9, so need to really be looking from September. Decent SEN provision is really important as DS is severely dyslexic - it's really hard to tell from what schools say about themselves whether they can do this properly, so on the ground info would be good.

State or independent, either is fine as long as they can do the job!

Thanks in advance

[homework]

Whereabouts in merseryside are you cause very big area . My son also has a sen . Has had a few incidents within our choices secondary school . Some of it nature of the beast so to say . Kids are cruel and do spot others weaknesses . The school do try to help but is very large and things do go unnoticed and my son can be very sensitive about things . Saying that his work and grades are all good and teachers only have good thinks to say about him . We looked round ten different secondary schools and found some senco's better and more informed than others . On the whole I wouldn't move him unless he wanted me to but remembering him that , no matter where or what school you go to some kids are just nasty . You both need to be happy when looking round and find out what support you will actually be funded for cause they do try to put you off by telling you that you only get a hours support here and there . Especially the schools who class themselves above some of the others . You can also look in other boughs if on boarders and not happy with your local school. also look at there specialism , play to your child's advantages are they sports mad , would a school that specialises in this suit his personality . That kind of thing helps too . Any other questions feel free to shout . Also parent partnership are good at helping to arrange appointments to look round during school day , get to speak with the senco .

[stopgap]

Two of my cousins went to Merchant Taylors' in Crosby and had a very positive experience.

[stressheaderic]

The Bluecoat is an excellent selective non-fee-paying school in Wavertree.
Depends which part of Merseyside you're in really, it's very big.

[AnotherTeacherMum]

I honestly think 'best fit' is more important than best school, especially for SEN. Merchant Taylor's VERY successfully academically, as is Blue Coat, but both are highly selective and I have heard that students who won't make the grade are 'encouraged' to leave.
I went to St Mary's College in Crosby- I left fifteen years ago mind- and that was a VERY nurturing school, very switched on re SEN with great pastoral care. In truth they are less academic than Merchants and Blue Coat, although there were still a fair few who went to Oxbridge, did Law, Medicine etc. Don't know if this helps :)

[homework]

Have you looked around anywhere yet . It's a hard decision to make but more information you get early on , the better cause you can then relook the following year before forms go in . Some places have already had there open days . What does your son like best about school at the moment . Not heard back so wondered if you had any more thoughts

[homework]

Have you looked around anywhere yet . It's a hard decision to make but more information you get early on , the better cause you can then relook the following year before forms go in . Some places have already had there open days . What does your son like best about school at the moment . Not heard back so wondered if you had any more thoughts

[Ifionlyhadabrain]

Sorry for not coming back sooner! Thanks for the replies.

First, I know merseyside is a big area(!) but given my DS's SEN I am prepared to move where necessary to get the right school - the only that ties me is the fact that I need to get into Liverpool centre for work.

My title probably was the wrong one - what I need to know is if any parents can tell me which schools are good for a boy with severe dyslexia - but is incredibly bright. I haven't looked round any yet, I suppose that's a job for year 5!

[Ifionlyhadabrain]

homework to answer your question, what DS likes most about school is the end of the day...he really struggles with the whole education system. To be slightly less flippant, strong music and drama would be appealing for him

[homework]

Has your son got a statement at moment . Where on sen registrar is he . What support does he get at moment . What has his primary school said about secondary schools as best fit for him . What your local secondary school like . Where are his friends going . Please start looking round after the holidays gives you feel for looking round them , remember they all putting on a show at open evening , so try to get to look around again during day for any your truly interested in. Ask about music lesson and about weather school fund them or you do . My son got free music lesson but had to give this up as he was missing lesson and couldn't just go back in and catch up . All things to take into account. Please let me know how you getting on , suffered sleepless nights on this one myself.

[threeineachlobe]

For music, drama and by all accounts an excellent school (including SEN provision) then St Edwards College is worth looking at.