Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Private school

Connect with fellow parents here about private schooling. Parents seeking advice on boarding school can vist our dedicated forum.

Best Indie Co-Ed schools in Dorset for pastoral care

2 replies

Imnotwonderwoman · 12/11/2024 11:00

Hi I have a quite unique situation with my teen (13) - she had a brother but devastatingly he died suddenly when she was 11 and she was there when it happened. She was in a large state school at the time but after my son's death she struggled, and they struggled to offer her the ongoing support she needed. I have therefore started to consider going down the private route. She is bright but not very sporty (although loves climbing and anything heights related!) and is not particularly bothered about academics but is someone who wants to do well (not sure if that makes sense!). She has always lacked confidence and has become even less confident since her brother's death.

I am looking at a fresh start in Dorset to be near family (I am a single parent) and near to the coast. I have been quickly looking at the various schools available - and I will go and see a number to get a feel for them, but I wondered if there are any that I should definitely avoid. Very academic schools are probably out given the level of stress that would place on her and her being particularly fragile. Very sporty ones too are also probably off the list.

I realise this may be a big ask, I am just trying to garner some general feedback so I can consider next steps. I ask that people don't judge me for doing this, this has been the most tragic of events for our little family and I am trying the best I can to make my daughter's life more bearable.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
PemberleynotWemberley · 16/11/2024 18:38

I am so sorry for the loss of your son, @Imnotwonderwoman what a dreadful tragedy for you and your daughter to have to navigate. No reasonable person could judge you for looking for ways to support and make her school days a little easier.

Dorset has some excellent independent schools, although most of the best are mainly boarding and single sex (guessing you aren't looking for boarding). I don't know anything about the day-only options but a good starting point would be Canford which has both. It's a terrific school- very good for all-rounders and by reputation a kind and happy community. It is reasonably selective on entry but it doesn't sound like your daughter would struggle- certainly it's not any kind of hothouse.

Otherwise it would be worth checking the Good Schools Guide or Muddy Stilettos for Dorset as a starting point for your research.

Good luck.

SweetSakura · 16/11/2024 18:40

This sounds like a lovely caring plan

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread