ASD secondary schools in or near Guildford

[123mumofthree]

Hi everyone, apologies if I posted this in the wrong place... this is my very first post here...

I’m seeking advice on excellent secondary schools for my daughter (currently in Y5). She has diagnosis of ASD, select mute and needs a lot of support with academics (this is not a priority for us - we just want her to be happy and willing to go to school). She is otherwise high functioning but prone to high levels of anxiety.
School would need to be in Guildford or very near as have 2 other children and extended travel time would cause her anxiety anyway.
Any advice would be much appreciated xx

[soniamumsnet]

Hi @123mumofthree, we're just bumping this thread for you in the hope that some Mumsnetters will be along shortly with some advice.

We're also moving this to the Secondary education section.

[suitcaseofdreams]

Are you looking for state or private?
Assuming state, does she have an EHCP? Is she at primary in the area - can the SENCO not advise on suitable secondary options for her?
If she has an EHCP you should be able to name the school you want and LA and SENCO should work with you on this.
Very different if no EHCP though as you will have to apply through normal channels and get whichever school you are allocated (usually but not always your nearest one)

[Fifthtimelucky]

I may be a bit out of date, but George Abbot used to have a very good reputation with children with SEN and I haven't heard anything to suggest that is no longer the case.

[123mumofthree]

Thank you soniamumsnet for bumping my message :-)

suitcaseofdreams - I'm not really sure because my daughter is just in the middle of the EHCP process (EP coming to see her on Monday). I asked the SENCO for recommendations but she only recommended Limpsfield college which is 45 minutes away from us and apparently very oversubscribed! I was a little disappointed that she wasn't able to suggest more schools considering she knows my daughter's needs well. I'm currently leaning towards a middle sized mainstream school which apparently has a good SEN provision (Guildford County). I wonder whether if you realise that the school is not the right fit (especially if we were to get the EHCP) - you are able to change schools? I would assume this should be possible?

Fifthtimelucky - thank you for the suggestion. I also heard good things about Guildford County.

[Flyingarcher]

St Dominic's in Hambledon is worth a look.

[Embracethechaos]

I knew someone diagnosed autistic as a result toddler, just done gcses at broadwater. Sibling went to county but they choose broadwater as it has a Sen unit, which he accessed more in the lower years, less as he progressed and did well enough to do gcses

[Grasspigeons]

Rodborough has an autism unit (callum centre)
Broadwater has a coin centre, its small friendly and locally broadwater gets a lot of praise for its SEN support. I
Both are on the train or LA would provide transport.