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Primary education

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Original poster

Non-selective independent schools in SE London

26 replies

Mummysaysno · 01/02/2013 11:37

Very grateful for suggestions for non-selective independent schools in SE London. Essentially a school welcoming to a Year 3 ADD child possibly also with Dyspraxia. Not interested in going through the usual hothouse 7+ for DS, as he will really struggle.
Willing to drive around 45 minutes to school, with Dulwich being our home. We have time to get him on a wait list as we won't be returning to UK till Sep 2014.
Thanks!!

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basildonbond · 01/02/2013 11:53

St Dunstan's is the only one that springs to mind - goes through to 18 but a lot leave at sixth form

Original poster
Mummysaysno · 01/02/2013 12:22

Thanks... although I understood St Dunstans still had assessments?
They don't have a wait list, so for this reason had assumed the assessment was the deciding/selective factor in allocating places...or are the assessments not very academic, or as full on as some of the other Schools?
Thanks!

OP posts:
basildonbond · 01/02/2013 14:32

from the experience of a friend whose ds was there until recently (and was borderline adhd/dyspraxic) the assessments are set at a fairly low level

Original poster
Mummysaysno · 01/02/2013 15:46

Thanks...I'll phone them and mention my concerns, and see what they say!

OP posts:
Original poster
Mummysaysno · 03/02/2013 13:46

Bump...anyone with any suggestions in Kent? Thx!

OP posts:
justaphase · 03/02/2013 15:48

Have you tried Riverston school? I have no personal experience but have heard their pastoral care is excellent and they are good with children with special needs. Also, a friend has two boys at Farringdon school in Chislehurst, one of them has learning delay and they are happy with the school.

NynaevesSister · 03/02/2013 20:34

Will you be in Dulwich Village? Dulwich Juniors is amazing primary schools. Or is it that you are after a through school? If not through then try Rosemead or Oakfield if you want to stay local.

Shattereddreams · 03/02/2013 21:20

St Olaves prep?

maddiemostmerry · 03/02/2013 21:25

Farringtons is Chislehurst is very good. Strong pastoral support. Goes through to 18.
Have heard Riverston is good for SEN but it seems quite low achieving to me.

Original poster
Mummysaysno · 04/02/2013 01:27

Thanks...all very useful as these are schools I'm not so familiar with, as not in our known area, but will contact them/look in to them!

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Original poster
Mummysaysno · 04/02/2013 02:56

...and sadly not in catchment for Dulwich Juniors, or that would work a treat!

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pinkdelight · 04/02/2013 09:12

This is a nice non-hothousey prep not far from Dulwich. Only goes up to 11 though. www.vfps.org/index.html
My DS went to the nursery and has friends who stayed on, one of whom is dyslexic, and they are doing well.

pinkdelight · 04/02/2013 09:12

Sorry, will make that link work this time!
www.vfps.org/index.html

Original poster
Mummysaysno · 04/02/2013 09:55

Just posted my reply in another thread...was trying to concentrate during kids dinner time...bad idea!! Anyway VFS....I always thought it was Catholic, but I've looked at their site, and will follow up! Very grateful for all replies.

OP posts:
pinkdelight · 04/02/2013 11:00

It's one of those where you don't have to be Catholic. Some pupils are, but plenty aren't. Good luck with your search.

hatsybatsy · 04/02/2013 12:19

how about colfes in Lee near Blackheath - fairly do-able from Dulwich and like St D's goes through til 18. Great facilities.

There is an additional intake of 20 or so children at 7+ when they open another class.

worth a look?

justaphase · 04/02/2013 14:54

Colfe's very focused on sports from what I know so may not be ideal for a child with dispraxia. Worth a look anyway.

ConfusedMummy1 · 04/02/2013 23:01

I would suggest Colfe's too. Yes they are known for their sports but it's a good all round school which great facilities. Worth looking at.

Original poster
Mummysaysno · 05/02/2013 01:18

Thanks for feedback on sports...he's not 'sporty' (only 6 right now though!) but does do football every week and tennis which is really good for his coordination. However I would also plan for at least one of his siblings to go to the same school, who is much more energetic and I can see growing in to sports, or needing them to keep him out of trouble, so I wouldn't rule out a sporty school if it also included the pastoral care.
Feeling very positive about our search...and contacting a school a day!

OP posts:
MrsSG · 13/02/2013 23:09

St Olaves prep is a wonderful nurturing school.

Mog123 · 15/05/2016 09:43

I know this thread hasn't been posted to for a while so just hoping some one sees it really. Looking for an independent secondary school for son aged 14 struggling in current state school. Not sure if he would get through rigorous independent exams but he doesn't have Sen just needs a push to see him through. I'm also considering state boarding schools but not really sure if the quality of education/academics of these schools as I feel I've been let down by the system.
Any help would be much appreciated.

Regards
M

shanchris · 08/04/2018 14:55

Does anyone know how good the SEN are at Farringtons School in Chislehurst. What are the admissions for SEN, MY DS has learning delays.

beautifulgirls · 09/04/2018 17:09

Shanchris I have sent you an inbox message.

Mergie · 27/11/2018 11:10

Hi everyone,

My son 6.5 yrs old has been diagnosed with a classic symptoms of ADHD. We’re currentlu in Middle East and looking to relocate back to the Uk in order that we may find the beat education solution for him. The Specialists we have been working with suggest that Our sons condition is towards the ‘mild’ end of the ‘spectrum’. He currently attends a high achieving main stream School, and whilst he shows good academic ability, his condition is now hindering his access to the curriculum in his current environment.
Can anyone recommend a good independent school that might suit our so with strong pastoral care? We would really appreaciate any recommendations. Cheers!

Mergie

AnimulaVagulaBlandula · 27/11/2018 13:13

Hi Mergie. Advise that you start your own thread with a catchy title to get maximum input.