SEN Secondary Schools in Lisburn , NI

[VGV]

Hi , My son is currently in P7 . He is diagnosed with ASD and he has a statement . I am looking for a good supportive secondary school . He is smart and with the right support he will do well academically . Is there anyone in Lisburn area or know of good SEN supportive schools ?

That is a very specific area. I’m not sure how many people on here will know.

Broadly speaking I would visit all possibilities and make a point of speaking to the SENCO . See what feel you get.

You should get whichever school you name after the review of the statement, unless it is not suitable.

Thank you for the message

There is a secondary school in Lisburn (st Patrick’s?) that was lovely on the open day. Depending on where you leave and how he will be getting to school INST in Belfast is meant to be really good at helping boys who either just not academic or have difficulties in the way the education system is set up to achieve their potential and find a route that’s best for them. It probably has a reputation historically as a “posh” rugby school but it really isn’t now, it’s very diverse and takes a lot of boys from more deprived areas as well as a lot of boys from the prep and whose dad/grandas went.

There is also St Malachis in North Belfast, their open day was brilliant as well, they clearly had quite a few pupils who did have some kind of additional need fully involved in all the demos and activities. It was also clear they were confident and relaxed, it has a gaming suite, excellent music and drama. They also really focus on mental health with mindfulness and diaries in tutor groups and also have a year 8 Spotify playlist the boys create that they listen to for 10 minutes in the morning. The headteacher had been a pupil and the deputies sons went. It also has links from first year with the other secondaries in North Belfast.

Really long answer and I know not Lisburn but fairly easy to travel to on public transport.

Tell me you have a boy who transferred to secondary this year without telling me 😂

He ended up in Rathmore which does have good pastoral support from what I can tell but it is very academic.

Hope you get sorted!