Independent Schools Colchester & Ipswich.

[meboo]

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I am not convinced that the school is able to put in place everything that my DS needs and so I am considering moving him for Y5 and then again for Y7.
I am also hoping for either a bursary or scholarship.

Does anyone have any knowledge of the following schools that could advise with regard to dyslexia.

Colchester High School

Holmwood House - Colchester

OrwellPark - Ipswich

Oxford House - Colchester

St Josephs College - Ipswich

Thank you.

I don't know anything about their dyslexia provision so can't comment there.

However you say you are intending to move again at year 7. Holmwood House and Orwell Park are both traditional prep schools that go to age 13 (year 8) and as such do not really prepare for secondary school entry at 11 concentrating on CE at 13. Oxford house is the only school on your list that finishes at 11 and thus would actively prepare for exams at 11. Colchester High or St Josephs I would consider if you didn't want to move him again.

Have you looked at Littlegarth? It has a very good reputation although again I can't comment on its dyslexia provision.

No heard of littlegarth, will give them a call, thanks.

St joes has good dyslexia provision and so have Orwell Park ,although as Suffolk girl says OP and HH prepare for change at 13+ ,this may be an advantage as you have longer to sort out any issues in a smallish environment.

Have you thought about hanging on for Royal Hospital School at 11+?

Hello!

I would really like to hold on for RHS but feel that the current primary school is unable to provide the right help. I would like my DS to have the 'tools' to cope with dyslexia in place before he move on. I have exhausted the list of tutors in our area, they are either too far away or cannot help us as they are not used to tutoring someone who is over achieving and dyslexic, their words not mine.

Happy to hear any alternative suggestions you may have :)

No direct experience but have heard good things about Colchester High. I knew three children who went at 11, one with extremely severe dyslexia, and their parents were pleased with it. At primary level I know of two who went because of other difficulties and have progressed well. I believe it has a high proportion of children with difficulties of some kind and they seem to get good results. You can also stay until 16. However, it has expanded in very recent years and has a new head I believe, so things may have changed.

I would not send a child with dyslexia to Oxford House. It is quite open about being a crammer for the 11+/Colchester grammars.

I have booked in to visit a few of them and see what I think. Whoever said this parenting lark would be easy?!?!

Are you stuck between Ipswich and Colchester,have you thought about Woodbridge ( The Abbey is the prep),for able dyslexics the support there is good .

I'm in a big black hole between Colchester and Ipswich, Woodbridge maybe a step too far.

outtolunchagain Do you have experience of RHS?

Not directly but know quite a few people who send children there ,they all rave about it ,the Head has just announced he is leaving though.
My impressions are that it takes a wide range of ability and it very strong sports wise ,pastoral care also seems quite strong.
The days are long though and there is Saturday school.

I would also highly recommend RHS and would speak to them for advice on what to do in the meantime.