London private schools dyslexia friendly

[pinkbats]

Dear All,

I’ve got two boys - the older one dyslexic. I’m noticing that loads of secondary schools stipulate compulsory two modern languages must be taken. Does anyone have experience of this? My son is currrently doing French but it’s a struggle and hard with the dyslexic component. Are there any (asking for the moon on a stick ?!) london schools that have a flexible view re this requirement ? Any experience or imput would be so appreciated. I’m not from the UK so still getting to gripes with 11+ / 13+ etc.

Thanks.

Grips not gripes ()

Don’t know about private but most state schools will excuse it, I’m assuming Sen is reason enough for a private to also excuse it especially if you’re willing to put him in extra English during this time

Where in London are you? My DS1 has friends going to Emanuel School in Battersea/ Clapham as it's a good school but they're flexible with languages. (Nobody in his friendship group is keen on languages. They're all top set in everything but French).

Also, look at schools that have their own exams, such as Emanuel and Dulwich (and loads more but these are the ones I know), as it'll mean no compulsory French. Emanuel does test languages, but it's easier than the Common Entrance and according to friends, they're very accommodating with special assistance.

London is very big so your location will limit the schools that are feasible so you’d need to tell us where you are.

Also, is your son only very mildly dyslexic but very academic otherwise or is he dyslexic to the extend that very academic schools won’t suit him?

It is so important to get the right school for your DS.

My DD is Dyslexic and we've had to move her and at last feel happy with her senior school choice.

My DSs both older went to an amazing one form entry 'Outstanding' primary - so when I had my DD I naturally put her there too....what a mistake! I found out that state schools are just not able to give Dyslexic children the support and encouragement they need to progress and thrive.

We looked at SEND schools - that was a mistake too ! These schools are too Special for Dyslexic children - my DD said 'im not like this mum'....which was true she wasn't special needs she just thinks in a different way.

So the question is where do you go..... what I wanted was:

• a small school
• a nurturing school
• one where the teachers were trained to support Dyslexic children
• classes are small not more than 15
• extra LSA support if required.
• an inclusive school - where my child would feel comfortable
• a school that would build confidence in my child
• a school that would stretch her academically

After much investigation - found that what I was looking for was a non selective independent school.

My daughter is so happy and I am at last relieved that she has found the right school!

Hope this helps.

Good luck :)

@pinkbats
Yes - absolutely flexibility required! Mine is also dyslexic, but super bright but two languages are a no no!

@Lucinda76 is right - the thing you are looking for is a non-selective independent school - but they are hard to find. Mine are at Heathside School Hampstead and we couldn't be happier.
Good luck.