St Albans Secondary Schools Advice

[chocaholic73]

Not sure if this should be posted here or on SEN Education. My daughter is about to go into Year 6 and so we will be applying for secondary schools for her soon. She has learning and coordination difficulties and has problems with social interaction. I have done loads of research already and visited all the schools on my own last year but what I am lacking is comments from other people because we moved into the area fairly recently and I don't know anyone who has kids her age. So anyone with "inside" information on any of the St Albans secondaries, especially with regards to SEN, please help!

Your child would need a statement to go to any of the special schools in the St Albans/ Harpenden area. The Breaksphere school is a severe special needs school so would not be appropiate for chocaholic73' daughter.

There are moderate special needs schools in the area, but I don't know if chocaholic73's daughter's needs are severe enough. If she doesn't have a statement already its unlikely that she would be able to an MLD school.

I looked over all three of the Harpenden high schools last year and know a bit about St Albans schools through friends. My son sat for a selective independent but we had to choose I state secondary as a backup. We chose Roundwood Park as we liked it the most. The children that showed us round were absolutely gorgeous and their enthusiasm for their school really shone through. The school and grounds had a uni campus feel - relaxed and nice.

St Lukes is an MLD school that is near St Albans. Its a really nice school that caters for children from about year 5 to year 11.

That's good to hear about Roundwood Park Caroline, we're going to the open day next week for my son. Has your son started recently?

I do hear Sir John Lawes is also now well regarded. Very good for all round education.

Edam, know what you mean about feeling like a pauper! In some ways is easier than other places I've lived as I know I just can't compete!!

Granary, I think I remember a thread when you were looking for a house here - didn't you stay at a hotel at the bottom of my road(on Td Lane)?

Glad to hear you made it and hope you are happy here! I do constantly have to remind myself that we aren't actually badly off. The price of living in a very expensive area full of people who are an awful lot richer than us, I suppose.

The senco couldn;t remember the name, she said to speak to the Education advicer. All she said was that it was a MS school but were very good with SN and also will stretch his mind as he is very bright

Yes, edam, we made it! Have to remind myself same, that aren't actually on the breadline, is just all relative. We're happy here anyway though, have found just have had to adopt a 'take us as you find us' approach!

LOL, that's us, too.

Is your boy at Roundwood Primary? I've probably seen you in the playground, then.

Yes, in yr 6 and daughter in yr 5 They're very happy there

granarybeck - My 11 year old joined his big brother at a Herts selective independent boys school so he did not take up his place at Roundwood Park (although it was offered). Sorry to confuse! That is the one we chose in case he did not pass the entrance exam. Lots of friends children go to Roundwood and really love it (both the parents and the children).

Edam - We are virtual neighbours. I live in the Avenues . Waving to you.

ooh this thread's been busy - DD doesn't have a statement so wouldn't qualify to get into a school like St Lukes which I have heard very good things about. I am currently trying to get appointments with all the SENCos at the St Albans schools to discuss how well they think they can meet her needs.