Mon-Fri boarding for my 16 y/o with EHCP in a remote location,..

[Cassieandteen]

Hello. DS is doing exams this year and has expressed interest in agriculture. We have found him a college in Bedfordshire so he'd need to board in the week, it's quite a remote location, his dad (my ex) thinks he's not ready, I think it could help him gain independence, but I'm worried that if the people there are not his peeps then it could all backfire. It's 5 miles from nearest town so he'd be very reliant on the campus, though his grandparents don't live far away. He's got an EHCP so slightly younger in his mind than many his age, especially when it comes to learning his way around, but it could be so good for him and the perfect time, and we don't have a huge amount of other options. Anyone got any wisdom or similar experience?

Yes thanks we've applied to Gunnersbury but the drawback is you can only do Agriculture at the large campus so he's had to pick Horticulture. Interviews for both coming up soon!

He's 6 foot plus and very strong, no-one is going to get near him that way. His father is prone to being negative and acting on self interest (ie, needs him for company) so knowing my co-parent as well as I do, he's filtered his feedback through a very specific lens, which is infantilising not empowering. He's actually told our son that 'he won't be able to do it' which is the opposite of positive parenting. We do know the area quite well as my parents live about 20 minutes away. Any dramas and my step dad would be there in a flash. It's a stunning location, the kind my son has always said he wants to be surrounded by, so my gut feeling is to run with the possibility whilst investigating other local options.

Have you looked at Writtle ARU? My nephew is thriving there. They do agriculture, and have a high level of SEN/EHCP but are also a university college.

I think Hadlow do boarding, but might be Equestrian only. Also not sure about under-18s. Best of luck! My DC boarded at an SEN school when they were younger. Not my choice and it wasn't a great experience. Bredon have a working farm, but not sure what courses they offer for 6th form.

Thank you I will look now!!

Teenage boys (even big rugby players) can be targeted by much smaller men using drugs:

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/jan/06/reynhard-sinaga-jailed-life-drugging-raping-men-manchester

That's a very sad story and I have personal experience of this happening to men. However, it's a sixth form college with house wardens and security, in a remote location, so I'm not sure exactly sure who the dangerous predators are in that situation. I can't imagine that the faculty or other students are doing this.

Teachers, male staff working on-site, older students, etc.

I mean in theory yes, as in any situation, but highly unlikely. Thanks for your concern though!