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Exeter Secondary Schools

6 replies

8888 · 09/09/2011 16:46

Hi, I am new to this forum and in need of some advice regarding secondary schools in the Exeter area.
My son is in yr six and has exceptional needs. He a very high functioning autistic and a type one diabetic. These factors are maknig my choice very difficult indeed.
I am currently looking at King's School in Ottery St. Mary and St. Peter's in Heavitree. I know that King's is very hard to get into but it would be my first choice academically, however, it will be a 25 min drive.I am scared that if the school needed me I would not be very close to the school. St. Peter's looks good but it only goes up to 16 yrs and then I fear that he would have to go to Exeter College, which I do not want him to do.
I have thought about applying to Exeter School, but worry that his special needs will be an issue there. We would also have to apply for financial aid (no way we could ever afford such a tuition) and I worry that monies many not be available for his entire stay at the school.
Does anyone else have a child with special needs who is happy with their child's school? Or anyone out there able to shed any light on the best possible place to send my child?
Thanks in advance!

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8888 · 09/09/2011 16:47

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thetasigmamum · 10/09/2011 08:29

I know a couple of kids at St Peter's with quite extreme medical related special needs (the sort of things whsome can require frequent hospital time). They seem fine there, and very happy with the school. What primary school does your DS attend now? Re Exeter school - why not ring them and ask them what they think. It can't hurt.

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8888 · 10/09/2011 10:21

Hi, Thanks for your reply. My son currently attends Exminster Primary, which I LOVE!!! I wish he could stay there until he's 25!!! lol... I did email Exeter School yesterday and read their "Ofstead" report. It does appear that they would be less equipped to handle children with special needs, but I plan on going for a tour. LIke you say, it can't hurt. Any idea about King's School?

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thetasigmamum · 10/09/2011 19:00

Kings used to have a very goodrep but in recent years its results haven't been as good as St Peters, also if you live in Exminster I just can't see how you would get in. Miles out of cachement, and I don't see how a statement would name a school so far away when the key issues would be proximity to home or to medical care....

I've known several kids go on to sixth form at one of the paying schools after St Peters, also Clyst Vale. But actually, although it scares me a bit when I see the HORDE rampaging down Queen Street every day, the college is actually very good. I've known several kids go there and do really well. I imagine it will be where my DS goes in due course (he's currently a Y7 at St Peters).

I really think you should ring Exeter School and have a chat. :)

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KirstyJC · 10/09/2011 19:08

My friend's kids go to Clyst Vale and are doing well there. Also, many moons ago, I went to Exeter College and it was fine - they teach a wide range of subjects and the facilities were very good. (Although I suspect they have upgraded them since my time there!).

Have you thought of Bramdean School? My brother went there for a while, and it was very good - it has a lovely feel to it, as a small school with a rep for excellent pastoral support. Can't help with SN provision though, or help with fees, sorry - but definitely speak to the schools you are interested in.

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8888 · 11/09/2011 12:28

thanks for all your information!

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