Independent school for a sensitive child

[MaximusDecimusMeridius]

DD is currently at the prep school of an all through co-ed selective school. We would like to send her to a nurturing senior school that isn't pushy or results focussed. We think a non-selective school would suit her better. Academically she is doing fine but she doesn't enjoy games as she finds it too competitive.

We are based in the West Midlands but would consider areas a bit further out. I'd be grateful for any suggestions.

Arnold Lodge School sounds like it would suit. They do have an entrance exam but they take a wide variety of factors into account when offering a place and don't solely offer on the exam. Lucton is also worth a look About Us | Independent School, Herefordshire | Lucton School

Thanks for the recommendations. DD and I did visit Arnold Lodge last year and I think we were both a little underwhelmed by the experience. TBF the teachers we spoke to were lovely and enthusiastic but the site isn't very big and the school seemed a little small on numbers in the seniors. DD has sensory issues around noise and I was concerned that the outside space wasn't very big; I appreciate that it's in a town location. I also felt that DD wouldn't have a large enough pool of children for friendships.

I haven't heard of Lucton so will look into that.

Ah I see, Lucton is much bigger and based in the countryside so might suit better in that regard. MSJ might also be worth a look, they use the same CAT4 assessment as Lucton and again take into account school reports etc Admissions - Malvern St. James Girls School

Bredon might suit her if she has sensory issues

Thank you for the suggestions. DD was originally at a non-selective girls' school but it was taken over by her current selective co-ed school. She prefers co-ed and doesn't seem keen to go back to a girls' school. However, she does not enjoy being in a competitive and pressured environment. She's lost her confidence over time at her current school and we would really like her to attend a school that will help to build her confidence. She loves reading and is creative, preferring subjects such as art, DT and drama.

Bredon might be an option worth considering. From looking at the website, it seems like it specialises in supporting pupils with dyslexia. Would it also benefit somebody like DD?

We can relocate for the right school but would ideally prefer to be either Shropshire or Oxfordshire way to be closer to family. We already live close to Warwickshire.

I was going to suggest Hurst Lodge in Hampshire before I read where you're based. It sounds like it'd suit your DD well and has great pastoral support Welcome to Hurst Lodge. - Hurst Lodge School. If you're willing to relocate it is definitely worth a look. They pride themselves on being an inclusive school and are really supportive. My friend's DD transferred there from another school in year 8 after losing a lot of confidence at her previous school, and thrived.

Thank you for your suggestion, I will look into Hurst Lodge.

Does anyone have any recent knowledge or experience of the following schools:

Abbotsholme
Sibford School
Oxford Montessori School

I came across your post and wanted to suggest S Anselms, Bakewell. It may be too far from you but it is honestly the most wonderful school. My child attends and honestly every child at school LOVES it.

it is a small, independent prep school with majority day pupils but lots of flexi boarders and some full boarders. It is a wonderfully kind, nurturing school with brilliant facilities and the most amazing staff.

They have a fantastic open day planned on Friday (27th June) or would of course do visits to suit.

www.sanselms.co.uk/step-into-sa/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLGq3VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhupe2aD7SRcCCUsvQpiw2JZm-J6pfzAhwhRPFdY3DAhc3pZMgR5n6CUKxBW_aem_CRm7DLzbaUv85wbKUyecRQ

Did you find a suitable school.

we are considering Moreton Hall near Oswestry in Shropshire. It’s single sex, but small and nurturing by all accounts and have a good art/ drama department. It’s mixed day, flexi or full boarding.

Friends of ours are considering Ellesmere college which is a bit bigger and co-ed. We’ve heard that several schools in Shropshire which have gone co-ed in recent years can be a bit hit and miss when it comes to pastoral care and equal opps for girls. Although this has been anecdotal, so I have no first hand experience to corroborate.