Sixth Form for 2e

[KnottyAuty]

Academic DC looking for a 6th form. Has autism and adhd diagnoses, EHCP in place. Should get 9 good GCSEs. But it’s been horribly hard work getting there and they have masses of sensory/anxiety issues. Any tips when trying to decide on a setting? What questions to ask? Any other advice for dealing with very high ability and bad inattentiveness? Thanks

If you feel comfortable posting your area, people might have recommendations to a sixth form that might suit.
I'd ask about free periods (are they allowed to go home, do they have to stay for supervised study?), how their predicted grades are established/decided, what their SEN support is like

Thank you. North London

Oh, I know North London! Enfield Oasis is worth a look, they have a good SEN provision Oasis Academy Enfield. Stanmore College, if it's not too far, also has a fantastic SEN department Stanmore College, as does Harrow College Home | Harrow College. They also produce good results.

Thanks so much! It looks like Harrow & Stanmore would be too far. Oasis is within striking distance but public transport might be tricky from us…. What’s so good about Oasis that it might be worth a drive?!

They have such a good pastoral department, and have a real focus on preparing them for life outside and after sixth form, rather than solely focussing on exams (things like financial wellbeing for example). Their facilities are also good! They also offer both A-Levels and Btechs, which might be worth a look if he gets anxious with exams as they are more practical/coursework based and that could take the pressure off of him, although as you say he is academic perhaps he likes the exam factor etc.

I second the PP who mentioned free/study periods and to check what the situation is regarding stay in at school or going home. My year 13 son (2e) really hates them as they are compulsory, and students who struggle socially are very visible in a study from where students work in friendship groups, etc.

Study room*

@EUmumforever thats an interesting point. DS prefers a structured timetable but hasn’t had to face a large study room. Could you ask for a private/support space for your son? That sounds tough

Hi KnottyAuty, it’s difficult and he’s coming home a lot, missing study periods. Ongoing conversation with the school about attendance, which is stressful. SEN support has been really patchy, although teachers have been very understanding. I wouldn’t change my son for anything and he’s wonderful, but I definely think that high-average ability students are usually the best adjusted and happier at school, It’s been really hard for us since year 1 at primary school.