Heathfield / Leweston / St Bedes

[Findanotherpassword1]

Looking for a school for my quiet sweet dyslexic girl start in Year 9. Want a nurturing school, with good art and SEN support. My daughter is definitely not a teenager yet, hasn't hit puberty - so not too trendy. Will do boarding anywhere or North London day schools. No hot houses.
Has to be sweet and friendly and not too noisy.

[Zodlebud]

Look at Queenswood. Blown away by the kindness of the girls towards one another. A refreshing contrast to the north London all girls schools.

[Findanotherpassword1]

Thanks so much Zodlebud - my eldest did a trial day and night there and the girls, who had been hand picked to look after her made, her feel like an unwelcome imposition. This was three years ago - and it may have been bad luck - but it did colour my view of it. Also, the girl that showed us around said the Nigerians stuck with the Nigerians, the Chinese with the Chinese etc - which means that perhaps not enough effort is made to integrate them? But, apart from our experience, I liked the head and the teachers - so perhaps I should look again? I presume your daughter is there and you both love it?

[Zodlebud]

Not quite yet but registered.

Not sure if you can make it transport wise but Abbott’s Hill would also really fit the bill. Their pastoral care is brilliant.

[malmontar]

Have you looked into King Alfred? It's really not as quirky as people make it out to be and their pastoral care and senco are phenomenal. Class sizes 12 and tutor groups in GCSE 12 also. Really nice school. They have some very smart kids and some with EHCPS, they integrate them well. give them a call as sometimes they have chance vacancies but main entry is reception and y7.

[Findanotherpassword1]

I removed both my children from there - very different children in character - and both are much happier at other schools!

[malmontar]

St Christophers Letchworth is another option similar to King A but much more structured and traditional in a sense. Just no uniform and more specialised Sen team. Only reason we didn't go for it is distance and we don't want boarding. They offer full and weekly boarding.

[BubblesBuddy]

My DDs went to Queenswood. Yes, the girls from different countries do like to socialise together but what’s wrong with that? Should they be forced to be with other girls? How would you enforce that?

Both of my girls have Nigerian and Saudi friends from there, but fewer Chinese (although my DDs have now left.) When at school, there is a strong pull for girls who are like minded, and speak the same language, to be friendly with each other in the boarding houses. That’s ok in my book! It is inevitable too! In lessons it’s completely different and of course the girls are integrated. As there is usually quite a big contingent of Chinese in the 6th form, you will find many are not here to integrate. They are here to pass exams and go to university. You don’t understand the Chinese culture if you think integration is top of the list and for schools it’s fee income, not managing friendships.

Heathfield, where DD2 went for 6th form, is much stronger on Art. It’s also a very small school and has fewer foreign students. You may prefer that.

[Findanotherpassword1]

Thanks for your reply. Yes there is comfort with staying with your tribe. Did your DD2 enjoy Heathfield?

[malmontar]

Forgot to mention Bryanston School. They’re 13+ and the girls are in mixed age boarding houses. Lots of art, great Sen.

[Findanotherpassword1]

Thanks for the tip off.