Less expensive, 'whole child' private schools in England & Wales?

[Catladyagain]

6.5 yo son not thriving at v academically focused local state primary. He's more creative, may be neurodivergent, crying out for sensitive, nurturing adults, fair rewards systems, more physical activity, smaller environment, a social and emotional education as much as academic one. Loves history, IT etc. May be very musical. Loves drawing. Loves being 1:1 with his mates.

Displaying extreme stress in current school and with all other state primaries close by oversubscribed, I think we need to turn to private education. We will barely be able to afford £900 a month. There will be no holidays etc. Perhaps we need to sell the house to afford more.

Can anyone recommend any schools of this ilk delivering an education for the whole child? Anywhere will be considered. Thank you so much

I’m sorry your son is experiencing this but I don’t think £900 a month will pay for any private school anywhere in the country. Even if you can find a primary school for that price, what will you do about secondary education. DGDs school is £27k now. I think UCS in Hampstead might fit the bill but I don’t what the fees are.

My DC's school is like that, its their whole ethos and being up North its cheaper than some BUT its more than £900 pm and you will struggle for that amount anywhere I think.

Apply for a bursary to a Round Square school such as Abbotsholme. The whole philosophy of the Round Square group would suit you well. https://www.roundsquare.org/

I think you’ll struggle to find anywhere for £900 per month, especially now that fees are subject to 20% VAT. It’s worth asking about bursaries (means tested) though, but these are becoming harder to obtain and some schools are reducing these, or removing them entirely (as a result of trying to cope with the recent tax changes).

Have you considered Steiner schools? Creativity is absolutely made a priority within that system and is very nurturing.

Not popular on mn, also can be tricky for kids with SEND due to lack of structure and ethos,

You also need to factor in all the extra costs. Uniforms, extra curricular activities and equipment, school trips/holidays, plus the yearly % increase (not including the vat rise)

Not popular on Mumsnet? I know they’re controversial, because most people still want their children brought up akin to Victorian times, but just going off the description of the child in the OP is why I suggested Steiner. I suppose the ethos is often child or young person-led, and that could potentially put a routine loving ND kid out of whack, but it could also work for some IMO. Especially for kids who feel they need autonomy in their day.

Have a look at Giggleswick in North Yorkshire OP, sounds very close to what you are looking for, and not nearly as expensive as many indies.

Still around £2550 to £5000 per term , not including any extras and then OP would have to move up there unless she wanted boarding.
Even our fees are around £1300 per month plus lunch and stationary, any school charging much less may not survive.

Maybe I should add that Steiner schools are also sometimes means tested based on income.

Have you thoroughly considered all other state primaries around you? Of different religions, those that may not have the greatest ofsted rating or results, that are in a nearby town.

Due to falling birthrates I'd be surprised if genuinely all are oversubscribed. I think in most areas there are less popular schools that are undersubscribed, and that doesn't mean they are bad, or not a better fit for your child.

You may find a state school that doesn't have the culture which isn't suiting your child and be able to put your £900 towards music lessons and other support that could really help him.

Have you considered home education? It's definitely more affordable than private school and by the sounds of it may suit your child well.

Would you move for a different state school? The one my children went to is more like what you are looking for. There are lots of states schools with different approaches.

I know someone who went here. Good shout.

Its a good school but still unaffordable for OP without a bursary (or even with)
Plus what are the chances of her living close enough?

Check out www.libertywoodlandschool.com. Our child goes to the associated nursery and a lot of parents have sent older siblings here and seem to love it, esp for kids who may not have thrived in a more traditional setting.

Thanks all. I'm unaware of any such schools in our county (glos) so I'm open to everything. State schools too of course if they're not completely oversubscribed and offer a more progressive way of schooling.

I don’t understand this, how can home education be more affordable when you have to give up your job to teach the child yourself? It’s literally costing you your entire salary.

I'd already mentioned bursaries in my first post about private schools.

If you look on the RoundSquare website, I think your nearest RoundSquare school is Wycliffe college, is that any good for you?

You did
Did you also mention moving to North Yorkshire?

No because the thread is linear and OP hadn't mentioned where she was until after I posted that Giggleswick was a good school, which is why after we found out where she was (prior to your quoted post) I mentioned that Wycliffe college was closer to her. I am operating on the basis that OP can open a map and see which of the schools we rate are worth her time investigating, just like she can check the fee information/bursaries/scholarships against her own bank balance and decide if this is worth financing.

You would hope so

@everyone just wanted to say a big thanks for your time here. As I mentioned earlier I'm up for considering everything and everywhere so every suggestion is valid. Given the school wounds so many end up with it seems to me the obvious sacrifice a parent makes to find an environment that will set up their child for life. Though, not easy by any stretch...