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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:
FoxyLoxy25 · 28/02/2024 23:47

Kew House?

FoxyLoxy25 · 28/02/2024 23:46

Can your current school offer any advice? Sometimes Primary Heads have good links with Secondary Heads.

Original poster
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.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sundial1 · 28/02/2024 23:38

Claremont could work. We know a couple of families there and they're relatively happy. Not singing from the rafters about it. I doubt they'll have space - they are oversubscribed now apparently.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sundial1 · 28/02/2024 23:36

I'd love him to do well in a State school but the ones near us are over subscribed (he's 40 and 45 on the list) and there is only one that has a decent SEN dept. It's also massive and he would find that overwhelming. He's the kid that will turn up and chat to everyone, but then not remember a single name or face afterwards.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sundial1 · 28/02/2024 23:34

I think we need the next tier of schools but I'm not sure where to start looking.

I know of a few but they seem further out. Not many schools in SW London catering for this student profile. There is Radnor House in Twickenham but it seems to have a lot of unhappy parents this year.

OP posts:
swlondo · 28/02/2024 23:34

Radnor House? Definitely all of those things. Claremont? Although a bit far from you maybe

Pinkiepromise789 · 28/02/2024 23:33

Would you consider State schools and putting the money into a trust fund for him? I wonder this sometimes as not every child is academic yet can be hugely intelligent with gifts and talents that aren't recognised by formal exams. Future entrepreneurs perhaps?

Original poster
Sundial1 · 28/02/2024 23:28

He went through to the second round for 3 of those schools but wasn't offered.

Dyslexia impacts his written work in exams and I think Reeds and KGS probably wouldn't have worked because he'd have the confidence knocked out of him.

OP posts:
CheeseandMarmiteToasties · 28/02/2024 23:20

Reeds, Cobham; Kingston Grammar School and St George's, Weybridge are all worth considering. Also Emmanuel School

LadyCynthiaFitzmelton · 28/02/2024 23:18

Sorry - didn’t see the age. Contact them anyway for some advice.