Sir John Colfox School -Bridport - vs Woodruffe Lyme Regis vs Gryphon Sherbourne or??

[averythinline]

We are hoping to move to Dorset next year and this would be our local Secondary school if we move to Bridport- which is our preference to live but would like to know a bit more about it...as we can move pretty much anywhere (both work from home) would we better moving to Lyme Regis as the school there is supposed to be great and the Gryphon also gets good reviews - however they are bigger and one of the reasons we are moving is that all the schools near us are big...and to get a small nurturing place would need to go private and near us they are all mega pressured exam factories

DS is dyspraxic so he will struggle in a large busy place, he is patchily good at maths, loves science, is enthusiastic about sport but just ok loves cricket and netball currently. His english is mixed great reader and good at grammer but poor at writing ...his teachers love his enthusiasm and engagement but he is very thin skinned and sensitive ....

Private may be an option if we move as well but I do like the idea of local schools...
help! any information much appreciated .thanks

[Elmersnewfriend]

I live the other side of Dorset but haven't heard great things re Colfox. Woodruff meant to be v good as is the Gryphon. Thomas Hardye in Dorchester also v good... How restricted are you in terms of area?

[talkinnpeace]

DS is dyspraxic so he will struggle in a large busy place
THat is quite an assumption
big schools often have MUCH better pastoral support

[averythinline]

Hi thanks Elmer - we are not restricted on where I just like Bridport as is reasonable size and near the sea...as we're moving from a city I would struggle in a village. Do know Dorchester a bit as well but the Thomas Hardye only starts in year 9 not sure want to move him twice...

Interesting talkinn it is an assumption mainly as think his high degree forgetfulness makes me more concerned about him getting lost traipsing round different buildings for different lessons ...as well as just getting lost amongst so any other kids..and he falls apart quite easily and lots of detentions etc for forgetfulness/lateness to lessons will make him really stressed as he's a law abiding soul..
which is how they manage the numbers at our local school so I'm thinking smaller to mitigate that...
He is pfb though and I'm old so it was very easy for kids to fall off the radar when I went to school..
If you can recommend any schools good at that (preferably near the sea and a city and in a town ) would love to know as I appreciate bigger schools have more resources and also possibly a wider pool of kids for him to find some friends...

[talkinnpeace]

a friend of mine teaches at Bridport

[Elmersnewfriend]

What does your friend think of it Talkinn? Like I say I'm the opposite end of Dorset. My sister is a teacher though and I know she's taught in some schools she'd happily send her son to, some she def wouldn't!

[talkinnpeace]

Loves the school, loves the place, loves all of it really

[averythinline]

That's good to hear... Will just have to get down there... Or maybe talk to the senco

[4Laurie]

Hi averythinline, just wondered if you got to see Colfox school in Bridport and what did you think of it? I am looking for a school in Dorset, I loved Woodroffe but would have to appeal to get a place..any info welcome as we are moving from NZ!