D'Overbroeck's Oxford for quirky child?

[Pr0vincialLady]

For background, DS10 has diagnoses of both ADHD and ASD. He's very bright but doesn't find it easy to focus and produce work especially in English. He's currently at a pretty bog-standard state primary school and while they're supportive and understand him well, I don't think they have the resources or the inclination to really get the best out of him and I'm looking to find an independent school for secondary for that reason. He's quite a character and very comfortable in his own skin and I think would do well somewhere that allows him to be himself and can also give him a push/inspire him academically without being too one-size-fits-all about things. He's into history, politics, chess, maths and music and has quite a theatrical side too. From what I've read D'Overbroeck's might fit the bill quite well but just wondered if anyone has any experience with the school and can tell me more? They're known as quite progressive and relaxed but seem to get good results? Are they nurturing, is there a 'type' that goes there? Thanks in advance!

Bumping hopefully 😬

I know a boy who sounds very similar to your son. He's in year 7 at D'Overbroeck's now and loves it! I also know a couple quirky girls (a bit older) who go there and are very happy too 😊

It’s a great school and breath of fresh air compared to some of the hot house Oxford schools. From the laidback vibe don’t be fooled into thinking it’s not selective the results are excellent but they start at a high level. The progress VA scores are excellent too. Pupils are really engaged & have individual personalities the light touch uniform along with small class size encourages this. If you’re going for it make it your first choice. You won’t be disappointed.

Id look quite closely. They used to be a good choice for SEN students but now I'm not so sure. They have had quite a few suspensions recently and all were SEN kids.

I really liked D'overbroeck's when I was looking for schools for my DD. I liked the fun vibe it has, still very good results, specially with the 6th form.
The only reason I didn't chose it in the end was because it is boy heavy and with classes of max 15 pupils, I worried my DD would struggle with friendships as there wouldn't be many girls in the class.

we have looked closely - ds1 has ASD as well and academic hot houses are not right and state didn’t work out previously.
SENCO at d’Overbroecks said they have 35% with ASD at the moment, plus another 15% with other SEN.
i think basically all the kids are quirky, as most parents choose the school as more conventional options are not a good fit for their child
I would visit and compare it with other options like Bloxham or cokethorpe (selective but not super selective and have wide range of dc) which are a bit more ‘conventional. Then you will get a feel for what you like and might suit your ds