I am starting to look at secondary options for my daughter for Sep 26 (we live near Thame) and I am hoping to tap into some mumsnet wisdom re private schools in area. She is currently at a small mixed village state primary so we're looking from year 7 onwards.
My daughter makes friends easily, is very creative and artistic (loves drama, art, dt, music). Not that sporty - she's quite young and little for the year. Although is mad about horse riding! She is bright but struggles with reading/maths at school as she has dyslexia (she has support for working memory and processing). She now uses technology in classroom to help her. Wherever we look will need good SEND and dedicated learning support for her to really achieve her potential. And great facilities for art/drama as these are her strengths. Nurturing and pastoral care important. Looking for schools that have a broader academic intake that aren't too selective, are forward thinking and flexible and have great extra curricular offerings. We live in Bucks and she won't be doing the 11+ exams.
Would love her younger sister who is 2 years below to go to same school - they get on great. Academically her sister is flying but doesn't have as much confidence so I feel the same more nurturing school would actually suit both well - they don't do pressure! Both are arty.
We are open to day privates (within around 30 mins drive) or boarding (within ideally an hour's drive). Both my husband and I went to boarding school. Open to girls only or mixed. The two schools (whilst very different!) that are on our radar are Bloxham (boarding - mixed) or Pipers Corner (all girls day). Lord Williams in Thame is the local state secondary.
Would love any guidance on the schools above and/or are we missing anywhere else that would suit!? Would go a bit further afield for right school.
Thanks so much for your help! It's a minefield out there!