Any insight from parents with quieter children? DD has dyslexia and poor auditory processing. Very strong in Maths/Science/Geography more middling in English (but has been doing v well on Atom and strong CAT scores). Visual processing/memory very strong so has been able to compensate and very strong problem solving skills according to school. However, their success in compensating is partly because they have good learning support focussing on scanning/ skimming/ concept maps/note taking strategies etc. They work very hard, very well behaved, love and excel in sport particularly hockey and cricket. They have thrived in a quieter, very focussed single sex prep environment BUT they are also a little sensitive, can be too much of a perfectionist and can be a little self critical. I imagine they would go from being top in Maths to being in the middle, middle in English to being towards the bottom etc. (which isn't bad for a super selective school). I worry they would overwork themselves/ become anxcious if they felt this wasnt good enough (which given all you read on mental health in teens is a serious consideration). Whats the pastoral care like? Is it more sink or swim or is there an element of nurture and help to build confidence? We would be moving from a school with excellent pastoral care.
Equally is SEN support readily available? Or subject specific support if they needed extra help in GCSE English down the line? Or is this something you need to battle to get? We are after a school that really understands you can be bright but still be neurodiverse and face challenges that require support. Whats the classroom environment like? DC needs a very quiet focussed environment vs something more lively as background chatter is hugely distracting for them (the latter suits some better). Which learning style is Sevenoaks geared towards? Although we (and school) think DC likely has decent odds we are not 100% sure if its the right school or if somewhere like Benenden would be better (were v impressed by their pastoral and senco but obviously its less academic). We are on the bus route for both. A level/ IB less of an issue as can see both working given HL/SL options but do worry about IB workload.
We would also appreciate any insight into phone/ social media use? We are big supporters of staying smart phone free as long as possible.
Very torn as think in terms of Sevenoaks she would love the push in maths/science, amazing sport (she is county/regionsl level) and love how much is on offer (she is a busy girl who gets into everything orchestra, choir, debating, engineering, sport) vs thinking she might become more confident and grow into her skin a bit more in a quieter single sex environment with more of a nurture focus. To be honest I think ultimate university destinations would likely be the same at either so its "just" a case of getting a feel for where she'd thrive.