Asperger's/ADHD secondary school advice

[PollyJacobs]

I would be so grateful if anyone has any experience of the following schools: Grateley House School, Hampshire and St Dominic's School, Surrey. I am desperately trying to find a school for my 11 year old son who is going through the EHCP process. He has Asperger's (only diagnosed 2 weeks ago) and ADHD and despite 7 successful years in mainstream primary, with only an IEP for handwriting, he has struggled to make the transition to mainstream secondary school. I am really keen to find somewhere where he can continue music; he is a chorister and plays trumpet, piano and drums and also somewhere where he can do lots of running, he loves cross country running. He is bright and particularly enjoys science and maths and we would very much like him to be in a school where most of the children are aiming for GCSEs rather than entry level qualifications. He also loves chess. He needs to be somewhere where the behavioural challenges of ADHD/AS are understood as this has been the main barrier to success at mainstream. Ideally somewhere with small class sizes. I am very grateful for any other school suggestions too. We live in Wiltshire.

[TomorrowBeckons]

What about Morehouse? I’ve heard very good things about it, no idea if it’s in your axis, but worth checking it out. I hope you find something soon, was in a very similar boat to you last year.

[TomorrowBeckons]

Here it is Morehouse. It’s in Surrey by the way.

[Flyingprettycretonnecurtains]

Hi

My son went to St Dom's but some time ago. The pastoral and therapy support is very good. If he is still there, then a lovely music teacher. Big grounds so lots of places for xcountry.

It wasn't as academic as I would have liked but I think that might have changed.

Grately, my son did a taster day. I've never seen so many staff in one place. He felt that the pupils were more behaviourally challenging than him and they really wanted him but said the same. Some of the behaviours did scare him a bit.

Do go look at St Dom's. I hope the Japanese Garden is still in good knick cos my son helped to resurrect it.

[PollyJacobs]

So grateful for your reply. We spoke to Morehouse, but they wouldn’t let us visit after reading his paperwork, they told me their children don’t have behaviour difficulties and relatively large classes with no TA and felt my son’s needs would not fit with this.

[PollyJacobs]

Thanks so much for your advice re St Dominic’s

[SpringHurryUp]

Why is it dc with behavioural difficulties or neurological conditions always get the last look in ? With a bit more support and trained staff many of them can go on to do extremely well. ‘We’ve a world renown SEN centre for capable dc we will get the best out of them, etc except we don’t anyone with a hint of ADHD, AUtism etc! It’s heartbreaking. Hope you find somewhere soon OP.

[MrsWOLF1]

It's such a minefield, my son went to Budmouth in Weymouth. Its a mainstream school but with an Aspergers base. My son has a dual diagnosis also, along with diabetes. He is now doing Phd at Aberdeen. Your son will thrive within the right environment

[PollyJacobs]

Thank you Springhurryup. It’s so sad as he has so much he could contribute to a school, but there is just so little provision for children like him.

[PollyJacobs]

Thank you MrsWolf1, so pleased your son has managed to succeed despite the challenges.

[Flyingprettycretonnecurtains]

Morehouse said exactly the same to me about my son! It did seem that some special schools didn't actually want kids who are...um..special!

Do go have a look at St Dom's. As Flyingboy left the sixth form, it was sold off but new people sounded like they would have more academic rigour.

Son is now happy, working, driving and fully functioning member of society (who still won't handwrite anything😄)

[PollyJacobs]

Thank you flyingpretty, that gives me some hope! We are visiting St Dominic’s tomorrow.