Insights on York and West Yorkshire private schools for neurodivergent academically able girl

[79Fleur]

We are based in North Yorkshire and are considering schools that hopefully have a more holistic approach suitable for a neurodivergent academically able girl who has struggles with self esteem and maintaining friendships. looking for schools with really good sports and drama opportunities. We are near enough to York so considering Bootham or St Peter’s, However we also have busses running to Ackworth / Read / Silcoates. Does anyone have any real insight into any of these schools?

Indirect experience, but 18 months ago, food friends moved their ND child from Silcoates, as the support for the child was not good.

I have a good friend whose dd is at St Peter’s. Dd is not diagnosed ND but she is definitely a bit quirky. Lovely girl. She has been pretty happy at Peters but mum is not completely convinced by the place. Feels that her dd wasn’t really looked after which is what she wanted when they spent the money.

I get the feeling that the type of child who would thrive at Peters is a character from Mallory Towers!

They definitely have great sport and drama opportunities though.

Silcoates is good in the younger years but not so much in the high school. There’s the other QEGS/WGHS too but they’re going through a merger moving from single sex to co-education and seem to have a lot of pupils leaving. They do seem to be investing in SEN but historically have treated is as an issue rather than trying to help. Ackworth is a small school - non competitive and very inclusive. St Peter’s is a good all-rounder although a little pretentious as it has a lot of boarders. I have no experience or insight into Read or Bootham.

Have you considered Woodhouse Grove or is that too far?

Woodhouse is a bit far unfortunately just outside of the transport catchment and I have considered Wakefield QEGS but I have heard it’s pushy academically, ability wise my daughter is fine but exam pressure is an issue for her. Am I missing any others? I think because I’m looking for less selective due to avoiding unnecessary pressure for her I’m discounting others such as GSAL, and we want co ed ideally so puts the Mount out. Thanks for responses so far it’s really appreciated we will obviously arrange visits but it’s always good to know first hand. Also I’m concerned as a few local schools have closed in recent years and I worry about the stability of where we choose eventually.

How about Cundall Manor? Is that too far? An amazing school. Our 2 have thrived there. Great academics, small class sizes and excellent sport etc. The new headmaster is excellent.

I would advise against Bootham. The management of the school is abysmal not to mention it has a big bullying problem. No facilities and no pastoral support as the deputy head retired (ELSA) than her replacement abruptly left. Than the new pastoral lead went long term sick. No TAs just not the same school it use to be. Avoid at all cost.

Have you considered Huddersfield Grammar School?

I have a not close relative whose ASD child recently went through Ackworth and they said it was great.
I definitely wouldn't send a ND child to WGHS. And would choose Ackworth over Silcoates any day.

Interesting thanks to everyone who has responded. I am making appointments to visit but it’s always really good to get the opinions of others.

Read has been good for us. Not ND but many of my child's friends are. My child is in year 11 and planning to stay for 6th form. Definitely go have a look it's lovely and dealt with our school related issues.

Really? Our son is there, and I don’t recognise anything that you say! Management seems fine, loads of facilities, amazing drama, learning support department, etc.

Second this. Nothing if what you have said has happened at Bootham. Are you sure you mean Bootham? The little Quaker school in York? It has brilliant pastoral care and is famous for being super nurturing and embracing of the quirkier type!

ps what is an ELSA?

This is nonsense. The deputy head is a man and has been there for years, they have other deputies who are also in post for eg pastoral
and academic areas. Lots of facilities (what school has no facilities?!). No one can ever speak with 100% certainty about bullying but they have been hot on moving along pupils who cause problems with bad behaviour.

Bootham in my experience is a good school with excellent pastoral care.

Sorry but I disagree with you all. This is the experience that my family has had at the school. The fact that I am being attacked by current parents and staff to me says it all. The first thing to happen is to discredit and attack.

wakefield girls is an eating disorder factory so would avoid that

have you considered Ashville?

@Notthesameschool It may be your perception, but it's not based on fact. The deputy head in charge of pastoral has been in post for a couple of years, for starters. And I have no idea what you can mean by 'no facilities'. That is objectively wrong.

You may have had a bad experience, but smearing the school on a public forum is not going to win you friends.