Independent secondary school in Sussex for bright but mildly dyslexic DD.

[justlumpingalong]

Can anyone help me to come up with a shortlist of secondary schools for my lovely DD who is currently in Year 5?

We could easily get to all the schools in Brighton/Hove, plus Hurst, Lancing, Burgess Hill, Roedean. We've been to a couple of open days and are signed up for all of the others, but I can't seem get a good feel for a school from these. Can anyone who knows these schools cast some light?

For context, DD is pretty bright - her standardised assessments/IQ come in at around 98th - 99th centile (132+). But, she is mildly dyslexic. She is doing really well with this - reading is no problem at all - she actually scores above chronological age. However, writing is still a bit slow and laborious. Both we and school have every confidence that she will crack this, but it's going to take time and patience (from her and the school). She is very strong at maths, and is a 'thinker' - she loves an interesting idea. I would love to see her in a school with inspiring teachers who can fuel her fire.

We'd prefer co-ed but would not rule out single sex. She really enjoys art, is average at sport, quite likes music and drama (no particular talent at either but will throw herself in!).

What do you reckon? Any advice gratefully received.

[Flyingarcher]

St Bede's is good and has a sound SEN department. May not push your daughter enough. Brighton GDST School also good. Rodean might be worth a look.

[LIZS]

Ardingly or Worth?

[justlumpingalong]

Bede's is a bit far, and its reputation is that it's great for SEN, but not perhaps as good for stretching the most able. I'm prepared to be corrected though.

Ardingly looks lovely - I went to watch DD playing a match there recently, but it was a bit of hike. In my mind, Hurst and Ardingly are a similar sort of offering, and Hurst is much closer. But again, I'm open to hearing otherwise. Worth is also quite a distance from us (and probably a bit too religious).

Does anyone have any thoughts on schools further south - the Brighton and Hove schools and those in the surrounding areas?

[Northernsights]

I disagree about Bedes not stretching the most able. It’s not selective, so a mix of children but plenty get lots of As/ A*

[justlumpingalong]

Thanks Northernsights - I've just been on Bede's website, and there are definitely more high grades than I would have thought.

[Lara53]

Hurst seems lovely. One of DS best friends has been there for 5 years and is really flying. Parents very happy too

[Longtimelurkerhere]

Not Sussex, but have you considered Millfield?

[LoveBlackpool]

My friend took her child out of Hurst as no support for his dyslexia at all. However, maybe he was struggling more than it sounds like your daughter is. Again heard great stuff about Bedes.

[LoveBlackpool]

Worth too is great with dyslexia

[justlumpingalong]

Not sure I could bear to send her to board Longtime... She, on the other hand, has recently read Malory Towers and is keen...! It's one of the reasons Hurst appeals - she'd love a bit of flexi-boarding and I would just about cope.

Oh that is a bit depressing about Hurst not supporting someone with dyslexia LoveBlackpool. She really doesn't have it too badly at all, but I need to know that they are going to be behind her all the way... Like Lara53, I know tons of people who rave about Hurst, but none of them have had experience of their learning support dept.

Away from the learning support angle, does anyone know anything about the general teaching at these schools. Do any have particularly inspiring teachers?

[juunipa]

My profoundly dyslexic twin boys went to Northease Manor in Kingston, near Lewes. Came out with Foundation GCSE's and A* in regular GCSE photography. They were told they'd never pass a single exam by previous independent school.

[rmc2001]

I'm in my final year at Brighton and Hove High School and have absolutely loved it. I'd say that the maths and science departments are particularly strong. The teachers are enthusiastic and supportive. In particular Mr Winter one of the Biology teachers is honestly incredible and also genuinely cares about his students. You can tell that he just adores his subject and that really rubs off on pupils. The majority of the teachers are brilliant and I've certainly always found lessons very fun and engaging.
At GCSE I got 8A*s and 2As and many of my friends got similar or better grades to me. My friends who are dyslexic get lots of support. They have regular meetings with the SEN lead and are always provided with appropriate resources, eg. extra time, larger font, coloured paper.
I've always felt that the atmosphere is very welcoming and friendly. When I joined BHHS I was very shy but since being here I've grown in confidence so much down to the safe and happy environment.
I'd say that the school is very good at stretching students. Small class sizes mean that pupils get the attention they need (and as someone who always finished work early there were always extra challenges available to me), there are also lots of opportunities outside of lessons for pupils.
I cannot recommend BHHS enough.

[toucantoo]

I too have heard very positive reviews of Bede's. They seem to cater for each child pretty well.

[MissWimpyDimple]

Brighton and Hove High School seem to have good support for dyslexia. They have a pretty extensive minibus system throughout Sussex so that's helpful too.

Class sizes around 16-18 which is apparently optimum!