Ideas for an inclusive private secondary in Essex/Suffolk

[FoxRedLabbingtons]

Good afternoon. We live on the Essex/Suffolk border and are looking for an inclusive secondary option for DS, who begins secondary in a couple of years. He has a history of speech and language needs and has ADHD, but is thriving in an amazing primary school. He loves outdoors activities, science, creative arts, but I don't think that somewhere that is very into competitive sport would suit him, nor somewhere with too much academic pressure. His self belief can be fragile at times, and I just want him to be happy and to feel good about his learning. Any thoughts/recommendations would be very much appreciated :)

My immediate thought is that RHS in Holbrook ticks a lot of your boxes. Or St Jos in Ipswich. There's Finborough School you may want to look at too but it might be a bit out of area depending on where exactly you are.

RHS might be a good bet in that it's less selective than some schools, and has a more 'comprehensive' intake. However, they are expected to work hard and play hard. Plenty of outdoorsy stuff, good science and art, great all-round education. I don 't know what SEN support is like, but they'd be able to tell you that. If I'm honest, I have my doubts about how much I'd say it's the right place for someone who's not too resiilient though... RHS life is full on!

Thank you for the ideas. We have considered RHS but had the same concerns as mentioned above. It seems very full on! I think lots of weekend commitment expectations might be an issue. DS loves his long walks and family time at the weekend. We’ve heard good things about St Jo’s and there’s a bus from our village and so that might be a good option.

Any other thoughts wood be appreciated

There is a very small Montessori in Ipswich - they have a small secondary school. That will definitely not be full of competitive sporty/hot house academic types. Have a look there. But although it is technically private it isn't like most private schools at all.

Most private schools will fall into the sporty/hot house/all-rounder camp (meaning sporty and academic). The arts - esp. music - can still be very competitive - even at an all-rounder type school.

Admittedly some private schools are more nurturing - but what a child needs in that regard will vary wildly. For some children competition is how they get their nurturing.

I'm not familiar with Ipswich High School (Woolverstone) these days. It has recently gone mixed sex. I have heard it is more nurturing than it was but equally other friends report that they only really nurture certain kids.

St Jos is pretty sporty - they host a renowned rugby festival. But you don't have to be sporty to thrive.

Depends where you are and what exactly you’re looking for but Stoke College might be worth a look.

I would second Finborough too.

Maybe somewhere smaller like framlingham

Thank you. We will look into all of these.

Gosfield?

Runninghorse Gosfield is very close to us so might be a good option. Do you have any more thoughts or experience?

I know it is supposed to be quite nurturing and the students/parents I have spoken to seem happy with their choice.

Thank you. We will have a look round 🙂