West London private school recommendations with strong support for dyslexia

[lostinchaos]

My daughter is currently at RPPS for prep school and we have had such a wonderful experience. She is not hugely academic, I would say just above average, and has recently been diagnosed as dyslexic. However, she loves sport and art, and has really grown in confidence at the school as the teaching has been superb and very supportive of her individual needs.

We are about to start seriously thinking about the 11+ and senior schools in the area which would work well for her, and where she will actually get made an offer. I would ideally like a well balanced school which will nurture her academically and help her reach her potential, but not put her under intense pressure or make her feel like she isn't good enough. Therefore the likes of Latymer and godolphin would not be appropriate. I was wondering if any parents who live in the area are on Mumsnet and might be able to point us in the right direction of which schools we should be considering? Thank you so much!

Also to add, we are open to all girls or co ed. I'm just really interested in hearing experiences of other parents in the area who have dyslexic children, and the choices you have made for senior private schools across west London. I had a miserable time at school and really want to give my daughter the best opportunity to find a school where she can thrive and be happy.

I’m not sure where you are in West London but St George’s in Ascot sounds like it might be a good fit - they have an extensive bus network that goes into London

We are near Hammersmith but open to looking a bit further afield for the right school. Flexi boarding could also be an option.

I have heard very good things about Kew House.

If you want local then I think Kew, as mentioned, would be a good starting point. I'm not recommending it as I don't know it - other than it's where children who aren't sent to the selectives seem to go. Maybe also look at St James in Hammersmith.

Is your RPPS not discussing this with you and advising you (they send a lot to Kew - it's their feeder school isn't it?) I would think they would be best placed to know the West and Central London schools that would be best suited. Or maybe you are on here because Kew is all they have recommended!

Have you looked at St Augustines in Ealing. It's Catholic but has a mixed intake. Think it has specialist dyslexia support. That might suit. You could look at St Benedict's in Ealing also. I'd say look at the faith schools (even if you're not Catholic/Christian) - St Catharines in Twickenham is another option.

As someone else has said there are a lot of mini buses that drop off/pick up for 'country' schools. Ones I frequently see are Lambrook (which might suit until 13 if you feel she could benefit from a few more years before moving to senior) and Cottesmore (think boys). Afraid you'll either have to stand at Bedford Park Corner (outside Youngs Vets) between 4.30-6pm to see all the mini buses come in or do a sweep of the Berkshire/Surrey schools websites.

I know someone who sent their severely dyslexic son (very sporty) to Gordonstoun, at 13, as it had a good reputation for dyslexia support - but that is not going to be a choice many would make.

Wherever you choose be careful to ensure you won't be expected to pay for extra support. A family member with a statemented SEN child has been paying twice for years. Family pay the school fees and council (after being taken to court at least twice now - 20k each time) pick up the cost of a part-time private tutor which all the schools (3) he has attended have insisted on. It is unlikely dyslexia would be funded by the council.

Thank you! RPPS will walk us through their recommendations next year. In the meantime I wanted to do my own research too! Kew is definitely on our list due to it being a sister school, but it does have some limitations with the facilities. My daughter is quite sporty and arty so I wondered what other schools would be worth considering too. most of her peers are looking at Latymer, godolphin and St Paul's.... which won't be right for her, so I was interested to hear recommendations for other schools in and around the area where their children have been happier with a slightly less academic focus.

Oh and of course the Harrodian in Barnes, but only if you can walk over Hammersmith Bridge, as driving there from North of the river twice a day will be painful.

It might be a bit far, but Notre Dame in Cobham would probably work. You could also look at Canbury in Kingston, though it doesn't have a lot of sporting facilities, or The Hall in Wimbledon.

Frances Holland Regent’s Park or Queen’s College?

St James is soon to be co-ed if that makes a difference. It’s a really special place.

@SWsix that’s interesting about St James, I don’t see anything on their website about this. I know they have a boys school out in Ashford. Are they about to combine sites?

My son has been in the Prep for two years and they just announced a consultation with a plan to making both sites co-ed from 2027. Earsby Street would then share sports facilities with Ashford. Happy to have a chat if you want to DM. It is my opinion St James were way ahead of their time even 50 years ago in terms of creating an environment for children to do well (see results/future schools/universities) and preparing them for a world we do not yet know. I haven’t met a single teacher who isn’t hugely inspiring.
I’ve experienced several state and independent schools with my three, and St James is an almost utopian mix of holistic education and academic success. The parents here have done their research. The SENCO in the prep is excellent (not sure about senior) and I would say that it’s a really nurturing place where all children, including those with ND, will thrive.