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

Have you spoken to the teachers about why he isn’t thriving? Asked for SEN support?

Moving home, potentially to an entirely different part of the country sounds like quite an extreme solution when he’s only in what, Year 1? How academic can any school be at that age? perhaps there are tweaks that can be made within the school and you go on waiting list to transfer to an alternative local state school if a place comes up in year or next year?

OP I’ve seen your other thread too. My DS1 is 19 now, but he faced similar difficulties to your boy when in a mainstream state infant school.

We moved 100 miles to a specific prep school in a completely new area 11 years ago, all because of DS1’s unmet SEN. He’s had an EHCP since he was in Reception, but unfortunately our village school wasn't the right place for him. The move turned out to be a huge blessing for DS2 as well. We now live on the coast and love our ‘new’ life, but I do sometimes wonder if we were completely bananas to uproot our lives and move 100 miles just for a new school. It’s worked out amazingly well for us all but it was a huge risk.

I hope you can find a school somewhere that suits. Unfortunately, with fee increases every year and now the 20% VAT on top, I think you will struggle to find what you need for the cost you’ve cited. I understand your frustration and worry. x

Atelier21 in Horsham (very alternative)? Kingswood House in Epsom?

This probably ticks your boxes, but I'm not sure what you would do for secondary in the same area:

https://www.greenmeadowindependentschool.com/

How about Bowbrook House school near Worcester? Depending on where in Gloucs you are, it may not be that far, so wouldn't have to uproot your whole life. If your child is really struggling in their current school, have you spoken to SEN co in school about the possibility of an EHCP.

I don't know how you feel about religious education but Christian independent schools are often much cheaper than others. This one is in Gloucestershire and is only £4500 a year for Primary and not much more for Secondary which is kind of mind boggling.
https://www.immanuelschool.org.uk/admissions

I would worry about whether a school that affordable is financially viable though.

Ive worked in a Steiner and it sounds like what you're describing you require

What about St Chris in letchworth? Very nurturing school with animals on site including alpacas and rabbits. Children can do an animal care club, forest school etc. very whole child focused

The Independent grammar school Durham. Do Google their site. Thought School from aged 4 to GCSE. Really nurturing. Extremely low fees.

Where do you live now?

Frensham heights but it's a money area to move too. Fees are not cheap either

Perhaps St Jo’s, Ipswich?

I appreciate it might not be in your area but a perfect fit would be the Heritage School in Cambridge. It really does cater for the whole child and provides a rigorous academic education to the children of many many Cambridge academics and other people who want a really high quality education, great results, but without the huge pressure experienced at other academic independent schools in the city. It’s been in the news a lot recently as it’s at the forefront of the screen-free movement, and has a huge focus on nature, alongside traditional subjects. And it’s considerably cheaper than other independent schools, only levelling 9% VAT this year, with bursaries available.

A lot of parents work around the homeschooling so one parent is home in the day but works odd hours.

I worked evenings and 24 shifts at weekend then we homeschooled. My husband had a full time job which was 4 days a week.

Some parents work from home and older children can study on it's own with little guidance.

A lot of homedschooled children have both parent working but of course it isn't for all.

A quaker school might meet your needs
https://www.aquakereducation.co.uk/find-a-quaker-school/
My brother didn't get on well at v. competitive, academic, sporty prep school and did much better when he moved to (now sadly closed) indie quaker school which was a lot less pressure. He went on to study medicine and has a successful career as a doctor so having a more nurturing environment didn't hold him back.
Steiner schools also worth looking into!
Best thing would be to look around other local schools and find one that fits. Our village state primary is very good on the SEN side and has a nice feel. Ask around locally

Hi everyone thank you all so much for your contributions to this thread. The cost of private education is eye watering!! Even at many of these places, particularly as the kids get older. I would be willing to sell my home for the perfect fit so my son can have a confidence boosting 10 years in education but who knows if such a place really exists. Smaller classes would definitely be preferable though. Thanks again all. We will make a decision on this within a year.

Thank you for this - i’m looking for similar in this general cambridgeshire/hertfordshire area and this sounds really interesting. I hadn’t come across them at all!

Have you looked at Llangattock School just outside Monmouth?

I can recommend Christ Church Cathedral School in Oxford. My DS is very happy there and there are a lot of "state school refugees" who found it too overwhelming in large classes. DS is in a class of 14 with a lovely, nurturing teacher who really gets the best out of all the boys. As a consequence, they are massively improving in their confidence and willing to try all sorts of things. It's also an amazing school if you are at all interested in music of course!

I know money is an issue. If your son "may be very musical", have you considered choristership? My DS is actually a cathedral chorister, so the fees are significantly subsidised by the cathedral - and I know that quite a large number of the choristers don't pay anything at all. If you think this might be an option for you, there's a "Be a chorister for an afternoon" event this Saturday for boys in current Years 2, 3 and 4 - look at the school website or contact the school office when they open tomorrow. (Choristership sounds quite daunting but the staff really know how to nurture the boys, and they love becoming excellent at what they do - and being musical, neurodivergence is not at all an issue! I'd be happy to answer any questions if you are interested. The free tour to California last summer was pretty good as well of course!)