Non-selective independent secondary school SW London

[Lookingforschool]

I am looking for a school for Y7 for my daughter. She is bright but quite behind academically because she is dyslexic and has Asperger syndrome. As a result, she needs a small class size but will not pass a selective entrance test. She would prefer a co-ed school. While I am thinking of keeping her in mainstream school, I am also open to considering specialist schools.

We are based in Wimbledon and transport links are very good.

Does anyone have suggestions?

Many thanks

[Needmoresleep]

Have you looked at The Hall Wimbledon? Some people speak very highly of it, others seem to like it less. Given how close it is, it would be one to at least rule out.

[LoveRun]

You might want to take a look at recent news reports for The Hall

[AveEldon]

Is she at state or private now?
What year are you in now?

All the SW London independent schools are selective to a certain degree
There are more parents who want indie school places at secondary than places currently

Do you have an ed psych report? Would she qualify for extra time in the exams?

[lookingforschool]

Thanks for the replies!

She's in a state primary school in year5. She has an EP report but failed entrance tests to move earlier, despite extra time. I feel that in a class of 30, she is being left behind and I'm worrying too about the social communication problems, which are increasing as she ages. We have been told by CAMHS that she needs a small class size and luckily we can afford it, but we can't find anywhere that will accept her.

Her current school just tells me how bright she is (96th percentile on EP report) but that's not translated into written work. It's so frustrating!

[Needmoresleep]

It might also be worth talking to Fairley House, near Waterloo. A specialist school, who as I understand it, will work to bring a child's skills up so that they can be reintegrated into main steam school. Its expensive and the focus is very much on the three Rs rather than a broader education. Given their experience in moving kids on, if they are not right, they should be able to suggest some alternatives.

[lookingforschool]

Fairley house is a good idea. Thank you.

[Itisonlyhearsay]

I have a friend with a child at Hall School. They are very happy and are supportive of the school. However, there are apparently less girls joining so it may be too boy heavy. Best talk to the school.

Not co-Ed, but there is St Catherine’s, I think Twickenham Way, which has an excellent reputation as a nurturing school and experience (although I don't know how much) with SEN.

[Mary19]

Thames Christian College in Clapham
Canbury in Kingston
Ewell Castle
The Moat

[lookingforschool]

Thank you, Mary. I hadn’t even heard of two of those and they look great. One of the others turned her down

[sayatika]

My friend's DC was at Fairley House for a couple of years. He is back in mainstream now with a statement and doing well.

Radnor House is worth looking at in Twickenham. It is selective but not like some of the other SW Independents. It has a good reputation pastorally and I know of a few DC there who have SEN.

[sayatika]

Yes, Canbury in Kingston worth looking at too. Better location-wise for Wimbledon.

[jeanne16]

Have a look at More House in Knightsbridge. They have small classes with around 200 in the school. It is easy to get there on the District Line.

[Abetes]

Portland Place might to ideal. Can get to it using the district line.

[lookingforschool]

Thank you for all the suggestions. Do any of you have DC at any of these schools?

[CraftyGin]

You need to look at Canbury School in Kingston. The school looks to be perfect for her.

[Michaelahpurple]

A friend of mine was very happy with Thames Christian for a boy with a similar profile - had come from the Domini. In more extreme situations some people in my asd parent group have looked at the Moat School but I don’t know anyone who has gone there

[farangatang]

Have you considered Moon Hall School in Dorking? Bit of travel but specialist for dyslexia.

Small classes may help your DD, but not all independent schools are well-equipped to deal with ASD and/or dyslexia!