Independent schools and dyslexia

[IndependentMe]

My son is 8 and has mild dyslexia. I am looking for the right independent school to support him academically and help bring out his strengths is sports, art and music. I have narrowed it down to Edinburgh Academy, Stuart Melville and Heriots. THE most important factor is about building his confidence. Any views out there about these schools?

A family memeber narrowed it down to Stewart Melvilles and Watson's for her 2 children. Melvilles wanted to put one back a year which was a concern as the child was already deferred. In the end Watson's offered a place too. The child has come on in leaps and bounds with the support from the school. She liased with both schools right up to the entrance exam for support and said both departments were very good from what she saw.

Watsons used to have (likely still do) a fabulous reputation for giving support to kids with dyslexia. My sister (not dyslexic!) went there and in 6th form she was an exam scribe. They are also excellent for sport & music, I have no knowledge of art there so can't comment on that.

I have heard the opposite of Watson's from a family who have a child there currently. They feel there is little support and their child is being left to their own devices. Watson's chase winners is the feeling.

Another one who can add praise for Watsons. I have a friends whose son attends there - he has additional needs (not dyslexic) and the staff have been fantastic, and have worked with the family consistently to ensure their sons needs are being met, plus the school have also been open to new suggestions of how they can help or modify the layout, format of rooms/lessons to accommodate him.

My daughters attend GWC and I have not been aware of the 'chase winners' attitude at all. Yes they support kids that are destined to do well - why wouldn't they? - but they are also very inclusive and bring out qualities in every child regardless of talent. I have found them a very fair school, not aware of any favourites - everyone gets a shot and that starts from P1!

Have you been to visit any of these schools to see what they can offer? A school can offer and promise everything, but you and your son also have to go with your gut feeling as to what feels right about the ethos and atmosphere of the place. Good luck!

Both my DC attend Watson's and I can't say I recognise the "chase winners" comment. One of the benefits of it being such a large school is that there are opportunities for everyone. DC have had chances to try all sorts of things they hadn't previously considered - E.g. to our surprise, we're finding that DS is a keen fencer and philosopher.

Watson's does have a good reputation for providing support for dyslexia, but I don't have any first hand experience of it. As starfish suggests, it's best to visit the various schools to get a feel for them.

I appreciate that not everyone will have the same experience but the family I know really does feel really let down by Watson's. They felt they were sold the idea of extra support and it has not materialised.

Emma I know someone who chose Watsons for their son because of its reputation for being good for children with dyslexia. She has been really disappointed with the support and is constantly having to contact the school and push for various things.

I have heard complaints about lack of support from Heriots for dyslexia from families of children that go there.

I genuinely believe all schools will have their negative as well as positive points.
I know a good school near loch lomond that have an amazing dyslexia department called Lomond School in Helensburgh.

Watson's have a renowned Learning Support department and specifically take in a quota of dyslexic children/children who need support.