Is it too late to find a school for September?

[myfringeisovermynose]

As a result of lockdown, I am now questioning our decision to send DS (11) to our local school. The teachers are great but the whole lockdown issue has made me think again.
I have been on furlough so have been spending more time with DS and he is unhappy at his school - says it feels too large and he feels a bit lost. So my questions:

1. can anyone recommend any nurturing secondaries in easy reach of NW London (Bakerloo)
2. Will these have vacancies?

I have been quizzing friends incessantly and one suggested I try here

I would get a good schools guide for the location you’re interested in.

Try the Secondary Education thread instead of this thread or ask MN to move.

There is a similar thread on “secondary education “ with a list of potential independent schools in SW/ W London ....one or two might suit . You need to list potential schools and ring them. Is Ealing possible? St Benedicts is mixed now ( used to be just boys) . They might have places.

Have you looked at some of the international schools ? There are a few in Marylebone which would work for you: Southbank, Halcyon and EIFA. International schools are more likely to have vacancies outside usual transition points.
I have heard really good things about EIFA's online learning and pastoral care.

Thank you@ripple11 - I will look at that thread
Thank you@Currentlyeatingcake - some interesting ideas.

Some will and some won’t have places. There are 12 leaving from my sons year - some relocating some changing schools but 1 local private is putting on an extra class due to high demand

One of DD's friends is at EIFA (but the prep rather than senior school) and the remote teaching has been excellent and included parent-teacher meetings and presentations to parents about the re-opening plans.

I've just had a look at eifa's website. You're right, it looks as though they've been doing a lot online during Covid. Quite jealous for my DD who has been stuck at home here with very little contact or work set by her present school.

Morning @myfringeisovermynose......I think mine is too!

Heard yesterday that Heathside Hampstead has two full scholarships available for Year 7 - owing to International students pulling out at the last minute.

Brilliant school - part of Dukes Education Group - worth considering.

Heathside is wonderful - my DD will be in Year 8 in September. They are very nurturing but also academic. It's in the village - but they have a major site site being developed for next year.