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Original poster

London School Advice Please: Slightly quirky 11yr old boy

36 replies

Anniegre07 · 10/01/2019 05:36

Hi, brand new to mumsnet & currently in Australia.

Our family is relocating to London in September. Our son will be 12yrs old on Aug 14th. Currently in a top Australian school but bullied as he's a little 'quirky' following a brain injury. Hits all his academic markers well, is polite, friendly & well-liked by his teachers.
Would dearly love recommendations on schools to look at that may suit a kid not currently thriving in the traditional all boys, intensely academic and sport-driven school environ. Will look at any location around London. Would prefer co-ed for him I think? Thanks so much. This is horribly daunting. We know London pretty well. Lived in SW19 (1998-2002)

OP posts:
cakeisalwaystheanswer · 10/01/2019 10:55

I would second Harrodian and also suggest Ibstock Place which is similar and also commutable from SW19. Both have a global feel and lots of expat DCs, the downside being you get more joiners and leavers but at least not everyone grew up within 5 minutes of each other so he wouldn't be an outsider. They are both very academic now and have excellent results but not on the same level as the top London schools, Westminster, SPGS etc. But if they were in a town outside London the schools would be seen as very academic.

Original poster
Anniegre07 · 10/01/2019 10:50

@Needmoresleep - thank you! I’ll certainly take a look. Love old fashioned manners! xx

OP posts:
Needmoresleep · 10/01/2019 10:32

Harrodian? It's a small year group so places can be hard to come by but with London's mobile population it is always worth asking. They have an odd, old fashioned emphasis on politeness and manners, and carpets.

Original poster
Anniegre07 · 10/01/2019 10:25

@LottyNotty I’m so new, I didn’t even know I could tag you when I replied earlier! 🙈 I wanted to tag you now - to ensure you know how much I appreciate your posts. Thank you xx 🙏

OP posts:
Original poster
Anniegre07 · 10/01/2019 10:23

@MrsPatmore Thank you. No address yet, we’re still in Australia. But you’ve highlighted something to consider. We’ve done independent for all 7 yrs of his education to date. I’m very flexible on that point going forward - providing we can meet all other criteria obviously x

OP posts:
Original poster
Anniegre07 · 10/01/2019 10:20

@TheExtraGuineaPig - thank you! I’ll certainly take a look 🙏

OP posts:
TheExtraGuineaPig · 10/01/2019 09:01

I don't know it personally but I have friends with children at Radnor House in Twickenham which is co-Ed, small and apparently great at providing for all sorts of children - might not be your area though.

Original poster
Anniegre07 · 10/01/2019 06:49

Thank you so much for sharing your story & for the coed clarification. Smile I’ll look into Harris for sure. Small would be great! xx

OP posts:
LottyNotty · 10/01/2019 06:32

Sorry, that meant to say it is co-ed!

MrsPatmore · 10/01/2019 06:11

Do you have an address yet as you'll need one to apply for a state school? Can you afford or want an independent school?

LottyNotty · 10/01/2019 05:46

My slightly quirky DS started at the newly opened Harris Academy Wimbledon in September. Although not co-ed, the year 7's are the first intake, so only around 120 students and a large ratio of teachers to students. My DS is enjoying it so far, and I have had the same worries as you regarding bullying/quirkiness. It is a risk to send them to a school that's not "established" but so far so good, and the fact that it was new and small was one of the deciding factors for sending him there.