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Original poster

Schools like Millfield closer to London

35 replies

ForPetesSakeNotAgain · 23/04/2014 15:12

We are planning to return to the UK in 1-2 years time. DS1 (who will be in Year 9) has mild-moderate dyslexia and is creative (art/drama/design etc) while DS2 (who will be in Year 5) has no learning issues but needs a bit of a push. I am impressed (at least on paper) with Millfield's facilities (design studios, theatre etc) and its dyslexia learning support and like the fact that it says it is a sort of private comprehensive. It would probably also give DS2 the push he needs.

But in my heart I don't want to live so far from London. I don't want to live in London but I would like to feel that I could go to the theatre in London and have access to the facilities around London (I don't want the boys to board). We are looking at St Christopher's in Letchworth which is very different from Millfield and doesn't have the same facilities but might still suit DS1 but I suspect DS2 would coast.

Does anyone have any suggestions for somewhere in the South East that offers Millfield type creative facilities (I'm not bothered about the sporting stuff) and some dyslexia support. Ideally I would like a school that caters for a wide range of abilities so that both boys could succeed. I guess I am looking for somewhere where DS1's creativity would be celebrated and DS2's academic ability would be encouraged. We are coming to the UK in June and would like to visit a couple of schools while we are there.

Does somewhere like that exist?

OP posts:
sugarfoot · 23/04/2014 17:29

Aldenham is definately day as well as boarding.

Original poster
ForPetesSakeNotAgain · 23/04/2014 16:15

Thanks Bowlersarm and Eastpoint for the suggestion. Funnily enough I had Bede's on my shortlist and then crossed it off because I got it confused with a school with a similar name (and where there had been rumours of underage sex etc) which of course was not Bede's. Am I daft or what? So I have put it firmly back on the list.

OP posts:
Bowlersarm · 23/04/2014 15:59

Have a look at Bedes, Eastpoints suggestion.

Bowlersarm · 23/04/2014 15:57

Oh- that narrows it down a bit OP....probably my suggestions are no good then. Shall have anther think.

Original poster
ForPetesSakeNotAgain · 23/04/2014 15:55

Aldenham looks great but unfortunately seems to be Boarding only. Thanks for all the other suggestions - I'll have a look at their websites. I should have mentioned that one of the appeals of Millfield is that they don't use the Common Entrance as I know DS1 would collapse in the face of that kind of test (his current school never uses tests so he has no experience and tends to panic when put under pressure).

OP posts:
Bowlersarm · 23/04/2014 15:42

Worth, Brighton College or Eastbourne College?

Eastpoint · 23/04/2014 15:40

What about Seaford in West Sussex or Bedes?

LAK11 · 23/04/2014 15:32

Have a look at Aldenham School in Elstree. Excellent facilities for creativity (art, design, drama) as well as sport and gives an all round education. Has a prep school too. they have an open day in June - I think it is the 14th, but you could check their web site.

Original poster
ForPetesSakeNotAgain · 23/04/2014 15:29

Thanks ChazsBrilliantAttitude - that's an interesting suggestion in a nice part of the world. I'll check it out.

OP posts:
ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 23/04/2014 15:24

Shiplake has a reputation for being good with Dyslexic children (a friend of a friend has a child there). You would have to check if they are creative enough. They are an 11-18 school.