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Original poster

If your DC is at a really kind, SEN inclusive, independent secondary with great teaching, please come and tell me about it. SW London and Surrey

37 replies

Sundial1 · 28/02/2024 23:14

Hi all, the title says it all. We're looking for a really kind and inclusive school where the kids support each other and the teaching is great. DC has mild dyslexia and possible ADHD but without the hyperactivity.

He needs support building strong friendships - he's kind and generous and can be taken advantage of or encouraged into doing something silly for laughs.

He's also easily distracted and can be impulsive when he's stressed or bored, so a school that can manage that behaviour well. I'm not looking for a school with a low bar for behaviour but also don't want a very punitive approach.

We live in Barnes and would want DC to travel independently. Ideally no more than a 45 min journey each way.

OP posts:
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sandyposy · 20/10/2025 22:47

sorry didn’t notice this was an old thread

sandyposy · 20/10/2025 22:46

Burlington House in Fulham (Bishop’s Park), Cavendish Group school, specialized in dyslexia, very small, very nurturing. Friends kids very happy there; my son goes to their specialist ASD school Holmewood in north London (which is brilliant), I like the Cavendish ethos

bluecloths · 20/10/2025 22:37

@Sundial1I know old thread but also wondered where your DS ended up? On the hunt for something very similar for my DD. (Currently looking in particular at Thames Christian and London Park School.)

Fire20 · 06/09/2024 16:24

@Sundial1 which school did you decide on after all? Also looking for a similar setting

FlyingPandas · 29/02/2024 10:54

Sundial1 · 28/02/2024 23:42

St James' in Ashford could work but again, I think they're oversubscribed.

Halliford - I don't know much about this school and think it's not on main transport links.

We've heard Hampton Court House has all sorts of issues which is a shame because it ticked lots of boxes.

I was going to suggest Halliford or St James. Both have a great reputation for nurture, kindness, inclusivity and support for DC with SEN. I know of very happy boys at both. DS sat for Halliford and it has a lovely vibe (and the headmaster is great) - he opted for another school in the end but I would have been very happy to send him to there.

To be absolutely honest, I would caution against Claremont or St Georges Weybridge for a child needing support for SEN - just based on what I know/have heard from friends with DC there. Both are great schools with fabulous opportunities for the right kind of child, but I wouldn't choose either for a DC with the profile the OP describes.

Did DS get extra time in his written assessments for his dyslexia @Sundial1 ?

minipie · 29/02/2024 10:34

Might be worth a look at the London Park Schools - one by Clapham South, one in Piccadilly. They are new, smaller senior schools who say they will have a more holistic approach to education - I suspect they will be taking a lot of pupils who have not suited the 11+ for the competitive day schools.

farfallarocks · 29/02/2024 08:48

By the way your ds sounds lovely

farfallarocks · 29/02/2024 08:48

Have you looked at Harrodian given your location?
thomas college opens in Richmond for 2025 and sounds like it will fit the bill.
Clapham Park School too.

ash86i · 29/02/2024 08:47

Would you consider boarding? Bruern Abbey could be a good fit.

vinyasa · 29/02/2024 07:55

Also came on to say St James in Ashford. The journey is easy by train. They are more popular for year 7 every these days but still worth asking them

stclair · 29/02/2024 07:51

Thames Christian School in Clapham Junction could fit the bill

StiggyZardust · 29/02/2024 07:49

Box Hill school? But the journey might be a bit long.

deuxgarcons · 29/02/2024 07:42

My DS went to St James in Ashford. Really lovely and nurturing school. Lovely group of boys across all year groups. At the time they were pioneering in things like mindfulness etc. good train links from Barnes (same line as us) and train full of SJ boys! In terms of academics my DS year group did really well with some great uni's.

Paradiddlediddle · 29/02/2024 07:38

Kingswood House in Epsom?
Halliford has a really nice reputation locally as being supportive and nurturing.

FoxyLoxy25 · 29/02/2024 07:35

Ibstock would be a disaster. Their pastoral care is poor and despite now having an SEN department it is not one I would have confidence in. They repeatedly mess up students’ access arrangements for exams for example.
There is a lot of low level bullying going on too that school don’t want to know about. Teaching is weaker than it used to be with little in the way of marking and feedback which is not helpful as you approach public exams and the English results in particular were dreadful last summer. A dyslexic child needs a strong and positive English teacher who can help them access the curriculum in creative ways.
They also insist Y7 study 4 languages which is a nightmare for dyslexic children. Their inflexibility on things like this is really frustrating.
Staff also seem quite unhappy right now which feeds into their interactions with pupils.
A new Head could turn things around I’m sure but the current one just isn’t working. We moved on.

user1494050295 · 29/02/2024 07:10

user1494050295 · 29/02/2024 07:10

My friends son is there. Year nine. Thriving. The family are really happy

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At HCH

user1494050295 · 29/02/2024 07:10

Sundial1 · 28/02/2024 23:42

St James' in Ashford could work but again, I think they're oversubscribed.

Halliford - I don't know much about this school and think it's not on main transport links.

We've heard Hampton Court House has all sorts of issues which is a shame because it ticked lots of boxes.

My friends son is there. Year nine. Thriving. The family are really happy

Coincidentally · 29/02/2024 07:04

Surprised you have not mentioned Ibstock which is close to you?
Many, many pupils there with similar needs to your DC.

roses2 · 29/02/2024 06:58

FoxyLoxy25 · 28/02/2024 23:47

Kew House?

I've heard this is a good nurturing school for special kids.

Tiredteacherxxx · 29/02/2024 06:49

St James - excellent and v caring.

SheilaFentiman · 29/02/2024 06:48

Can you say what school he is at now and whether it is private or state? Give more idea why you need a move?

It’s a difficult time to move as few children will leave their school in yr 7 having gone through the year 6 or 11+ application process.

QuiteAJourney · 29/02/2024 06:34

The Hall School in Wimbledon?

Original poster
Sundial1 · 29/02/2024 00:05

Year 7 now and looking for a move in Year 8. Sooner if we find the right school.

OP posts:
swlondo · 28/02/2024 23:51

St James usually seems to have space and I know it offers a nurturing environment for kids.

What year is your son in now?

underthebun · 28/02/2024 23:48

Ewell castle but journey may not work.

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