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Original poster

Merton/Kingston/Sutton High Schools

30 replies

Merryoldgoat · 25/01/2023 08:35

My son has ASD and is in Y5 managing fine in mainstream school with the odd wobble.

I have friends with children at various high schools in the area and they all sound like prisons.

Detentions for the incorrect socks
Detentions for a logo on a coat
Won’t allow you to drop forgotten items
Ridiculously strict ‘look’ policies

My son won’t cope somewhere like this. I’ve discounted Harris Wimbledon and Glenthorne but not sure about others.

I just can’t cope with constant melodies because he’s so anxious so any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

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Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 14/02/2026 20:32

@user1492978972 oh I hope that all goes well for you and your family.

My younger son has just had a placement approved for wholly specialist provision too. I feel constantly anxious at the moment.

Always so much to worry about.

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user1492978972 · 14/02/2026 00:01

Thank you @Merryoldgoat . What a lovely outcome for your son.
We have now been offered a place at a school called TCES in North West London.
We have tried to consult with Brookways School in the past but they only take from Year 5 and our son is currently on Year 4 so we couldn't do anything at the time.

Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 12/02/2026 22:56

user1492978972 · 12/02/2026 22:51

@Merryoldgoat thank you. I know they have a new head teacher now and he is not the most approachable person and not very kind either.

Have you looked at Brookways? It’s not perfect but a warmer feel. It’s tricky for kids like mine - totally capable of meeting mainstream academic level (some of the highest SATS in his school at Y6) but absolutely incapable of coping in mainstream chaos.

He is transformed - I’d never have believed it possible but I have to hand it to Brookways - they know how to engage the children

OP posts:
user1492978972 · 12/02/2026 22:51

@Merryoldgoat thank you. I know they have a new head teacher now and he is not the most approachable person and not very kind either.

Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 12/02/2026 22:47

@user1492978972

My son is not at Whatley - he’s ended up at Brookways which has been excellent for him.

I know some children happy at Whatley but I’m not well disposed to them after my experience with their sub-par SENCO.

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user1492978972 · 12/02/2026 21:47

Hello @Merryoldgoat @BBower following the thread discussion I am also very curious to hear about Melbury School Whatley Campus.

UnicornPanda · 22/03/2025 20:09

Nushi21 · 22/03/2025 00:36

@Slubulinowe are thinking of moving to the area close to The Kingston Academy. I would love to know how you got on with your move and the process of finding a school place for your child.

Hello there! We ended up in East Sheen and we are very happy with the move. My kid started in the state school close by and is going very well. Good luck with the move! I am sure is going to be good!

Nushi21 · 22/03/2025 00:36

@Slubulinowe are thinking of moving to the area close to The Kingston Academy. I would love to know how you got on with your move and the process of finding a school place for your child.

BBower · 02/11/2024 20:58

yes securing one at the moment - so exploring options and they are looking at Whatley campus. Thanks very helpful.

Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 02/11/2024 20:50

@BBower

Have you got an EHCP? What type of school is named? Good coordinator at the council? Fran Turko at MIASS was helpful talking through the various options in borough and in neighbouring boroughs too.

I was very disappointed not getting Whatley but the treatment afterwards made me concerned for the actual leadership so maybe a blessing in disguise.

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BBower · 02/11/2024 20:37

thanks that is helpful - we are merton going into yr 7 - many challenges but academically able so worried on that side of things.

TwigTheWonderKid · 02/11/2024 20:33

Have you considered Richard Challenor?

Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 02/11/2024 20:28

@BBower what is it you want to know? It’s still quite new and only around 80 pupils.

It’s got lots of great facilities but the teachers seem a bit unengaged at times I hear.

I found the SENCO unhelpful but two friends have children there who seem happy. They only started in September though.

It’s not the ‘warmest’ school. The head is a bit patronising but that’s based on one tour so not necessarily an accurate impression.

I think the best thing is to go have a look.

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BBower · 02/11/2024 20:17

Thanks - yes I have been on the website - but I can't seem to find anyone with experience of the school and feedback - good or bad.

Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 02/11/2024 20:03

@BBower

https://www.melbury.merton.sch.uk/Whatley-Campus/Whatley-Campus-Info/

My experience has slightly soured my opinion but I know some children who are very happy there.

Whatley Campus

Welcome to the website of Melbury College, Mitcham, London

https://www.melbury.merton.sch.uk/Whatley-Campus/Whatley-Campus-Info

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BBower · 02/11/2024 18:48

I am interested to hear more about Whatley campus please? I can't find any information about it.

Slubulino · 09/03/2024 18:29

Merryoldgoat · 09/03/2024 17:05

@Slubulino We have a place at Brookways that were very happy with.

My first choice which was Whatley Campus of Melbury said they couldn’t meet needs. I think I’s have won at tribunal as LA agreed it could but school dug in after piss poor assessment. But I’m not begging a school to have him when we have options which are as good.

Brookways is Section 41 independent so LA have named and he really enjoyed it his trial.

The bases at the mainstream schools RP, Glenthorne etc are horrid and run in the same prison-camp style. I cannot subject my son to that.

Where are you thinking for your DC?

I am glad to hear is going well. We only move
in the summer so it depends what school has space for us in year 8th. 😅

Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 09/03/2024 17:05

@Slubulino We have a place at Brookways that were very happy with.

My first choice which was Whatley Campus of Melbury said they couldn’t meet needs. I think I’s have won at tribunal as LA agreed it could but school dug in after piss poor assessment. But I’m not begging a school to have him when we have options which are as good.

Brookways is Section 41 independent so LA have named and he really enjoyed it his trial.

The bases at the mainstream schools RP, Glenthorne etc are horrid and run in the same prison-camp style. I cannot subject my son to that.

Where are you thinking for your DC?

OP posts:
FlamingoSocks · 09/03/2024 15:36

@Slubulino The Kingston Academy x

Slubulino · 09/03/2024 15:23

@Merryoldgoat did you find the school for you? We are moving in the area in the summer and will need to find a school for my son that will be then in year 8th :). Thank you!

Slubulino · 09/03/2024 15:22

FlamingoSocks · 26/01/2023 23:02

TKA is supposed to be brilliant, another school with an ASD unit so lots of kids around with those needs.

@FlamingoSocks sorry to jump in! What school is TKA? Thank you!

Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 27/01/2023 00:25

@FlamingoSocks

i think that might be a little bit far but I’ll check - if it’s near the station it could be doable.

OP posts:
FlamingoSocks · 26/01/2023 23:02

TKA is supposed to be brilliant, another school with an ASD unit so lots of kids around with those needs.

Original poster
Merryoldgoat · 26/01/2023 22:56

My son does have an EHCP so we’re fortunate in that regard.

I also saw Melrose has a new secondary campus at Whatley Road so I’ll look there too.

it’s a fine line as he’s very bright and capable of excelling academically, but won’t in the right environment. I’m also nervous about him losing his friendship group but it is what it is.

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downtonupton · 26/01/2023 22:21

i was going to suggest Raynes Park too - it has a specialist ASD unit - you wont have access to the unit without an EHCP but it is a school that is used to ASD kids around as many from the untit spend time in mainstream too.

It is more of a community schools than some of the exam factory academies in the area.