Recommendations for a nurturing co-ed private school for an AuDHD Year 5 child (Haslemere)

[WhereForeArtt]

My daughter is in Year 5, we live on the Surrey / Hampshire / Sussex border (Haslemere). She is very bright, AuDHD, which manifests in social challenges. She does not need help with school work or learning support, she just needs a gentle and understanding environment.

Given all the closures in this area (The Royal, Longacre), can someone recommend a good, nurturing school that is suitable for a child with SEN? It also needs to be financially secure. We want co-ed only. So far we’ve been recommended:

St Edmund’s
Frensham Heights
Seaford
Kingswood House (I think Epsom is too far)
Ditcham Park
Prior’s Field (We don’t want single sex)

Can anyone provide insight into these schools, or recommend one personally that they know fits the criteria?

Thanks so much!!!

I don't know anything about St Ed's. I was suggesting you consider adding Churcher's to your new list to check into further.

Oh, so sorry, my mistake!

I will have a look Churcher’s, is it very academic?

You say she's very bright so it's a good fit academically. It's not a hot house. Kids are above average but not all super bright. Depends on her temperament eg would she put too much pressure on herself. It's a fairly focussed, hardworking environment but with plenty of praise and encouragement especially in juniors and the lower senior years. Like I said in my last post, more merit awards than detentions.
Might be worth talking to the junior school (Liphook) to join in year 6 where they will prep for the January assessment for the senior school (Petersfield). Or if being prepped generally for entrance exams at current school then that would work. Also plenty of kids join the senior school from state schools. Year 6 about 55-60 kids. Year 7 about 135 kids. Class sizes about 20. Co-ed about 50:50. Don't know if it is a good fit for her overall but worth asking them.

Go nuts with Google!

1. 2011 Sex and Alcohol Scandal (Most Publicized Incident)
2. Permissive Culture, Bullying, and Alumni Criticisms
3. Transgender Pupil Policy (2024 Onward)
4. Radical Curriculum Changes (Ditching Most GCSEs)

etc. etc....

We’ve reviewed loads in the area - here are my findings:
frensham heights - lots and lots of neurodiversity. Amazing for non sporty creative types who like a less rule driven environment. The ‘gentle parenting’ approach in a school but if your kid needs boundaries, rules, and academic differentiation upwards they may be frustrated. Phenominal art department and amazing music and drama opportunities.

St Ed’s - some people will tell you it is incredible for academic SEN kids and it can be. You have to fit in though. And that means getting involved with something they are passionate about - could be drama or music etc, or just proper school spirit. However if your kid has big provisional needs and serious classroom adjustment then it’s not the right school. They are better at mopping up pastoral needs.

Churchers - we liked it but there was something slightly cold about it. Good all round curriculum and sporty. Not quite as ‘caring’ environment as St Ed’s or Frensham. Very much a case of keep up academically or we will manage you out. Pretty much said that to us!

Ditcham Park - we loved it. But it’s a beast of a journey - and that is ultimately why we didn’t choose it. Fantastic kind nurturing environment with stacks of opportunity. Great science and art departments. Wish we lived closer!

ultimately don’t rule any school out. What I heard from other people and read in forums didn’t track against actual personal experiences. Pay for taster days for them a few when you narrow it down - your child will get a feel on those days for sure.
good luck and hope you find the perfect fit!

Thank you those are really helpful insights.