Weydon or All Hallows (Farnham) for anxious, possibly ASD DD

[sosotired1]

Hi everyone, could anyone help with any info. on the above. We are about to move to South Farnham (planned move since before lockdown, but taking ages) and would love some advice on the above two schools as we have no local contacts to ask and visiting the schools is proving difficult.

Our DD is lovely, bright, studious and likes order and routine and has become increasingly anxious (amongst other things) over lockdown to the point we are now on the waiting list for ASD assessment.

We would be in the catchment for both schools based on the last 4 years of info. on intake, but we are just not sure which would suit her better, especially if she does end up needing some extra support.

She is baptised catholic but we don't go to church regularly so also wondering if All Hallows needs good attendance.

Any advice would be very gratefully received, or any other schools we should look at that might be suitable, even private as we could stretch to this for the best setting and would be happy to travel (she is an only so we don't need to get anyone else anywhere).

We just don't want her to get lost in a big machine somewhere, her happiness, confidence and self esteem, rather than attainment is most important to us.

[gianticicle]

I don't have experience of these two but it might be worth taking a look at Alton School (small private co-ed, about 10 miles away, bus or train from Farnham). It's Catholic but open to all, small year groups of 2 or 3 forms, academic but not a hothouse, nurturing, good learning support.

[rosydreams]

i am very familiar with All Hallows i advise against it but it may have changed int he years since i moved out the area

[redpandaalert]

If you can afford any of the smaller independent schools in the surrounding area I would or try for a bursary. Neither would be suitable IMO. Secondary and ASD is where it can all fall apart. Without the required support the anxiety will often lead to school refusal. It's hard having an ASD child, we are sacrificing a lot to pay for independent school for DS due to his very high functioning ASD. It's smallish (not too small) and very strong pastoral and SEN support (all SEN support is included in the slightly astronomical fees).

[sosotired1]

Thanks so much everyone, suggestions (and your experience rosydreams) are great. We are also going to look at The Royal in Haslemere as someone mentioned they are very child focused. It is very hard to find out what is really happening in schools with SEND and nurture groups etc. and I really fear for her mental health if we make the wrong choice.

[ifancyagreencard]

Also, have a look at Priorsfield in Godalming. It's right by the A3/A31 junction so very doable from Farnham. Good SEN support, smallish school with excellent pastoral care. Not academically selective but excellent results for capable girls; with encouragement for those whose talents lie in other things.

[redpandaalert]

I would also look at st Edmunds, king Edwards witley and priorsfield.

[EasilyDeleted]

What year is she in now? If she is still at primary does she have a place at one of the Farnham schools? They have a feeder system for secondary admissions. You could probably learn a lot from other parents there. Failing that it might be worth contacting the Surrey branch of the National Autistic Society, there will undoubtedly be parents with experience of local schools in their groups.

[sosotired1]

This is all super helpful, I think we will expand our search to take in the other schools mentioned.

We are just waiting to exchange so then will have to see where we can find a place (there is some movement in year 6 it seems) so will probably stay with state for this year. Hoping we will meet parents soon too.

That's a good suggestion EasilyDeleted, I will get in touch with the local branch of NAS.

[PinkLegoBrick]

Weydon has a good reputation and good results.