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Welcome to Scotsnet - discuss all aspects of life in Scotland, including relocating, schools and local areas.

Edinburgh Private school advice-dyslexia

10 replies

Samdeniel · 13/03/2020 21:57

Evening-I’d love some advice about Edinburgh schools, particularly anyone with experience of a child with dyslexia. My daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia last year (private diagnosis by a well respected Ed Psych),she is currently in a state primary with the class at maximum size and it hasn’t been a good year for many reasons-a probationer teacher who has tried hard but really struggles with discipline in a class with many children with additional needs, general bad behaviour and the number of children. My daughter has been getting stressed by the chaos and isn’t enjoying school at all-I have spoken to the head etc and the teacher is being supported but I don’t feel things are much better. So far, my daughter has received out of class SFL which has been positive and she has responded well to this and we are doing lots at home to support her learning too. However, at the most recent meeting I could tell I was being prepared for them scaling back on that as she moved up the school if she continues responding well. I’m fairly new to all of this but I do get the feeling support is reactive rather than proactive and I do understand they have to focus it where it is most needed but it is frustrating at the same time. This leads me onto my question (if you are still with me!) about private schools in Edinburgh and support for learning. I feel that my daughter, her personality, strengths (and weaknesses) may be better nurtured in the private sector. Does anyone have any direct experience of this? I have narrowed our choice down to two schools and we have done tours at them both and they seem impressive. My daughter is booked in for assessment. However, there is obviously a considerable cost, the logistical challenges and the pressure to treat siblings equally. I am trying to weigh it all up and struggling to make a decision and would love to hear from anyone with any experience of making the move or any words of wisdom. Many thanks.

OP posts:
motherstongue · 13/03/2020 22:22

Knowing the 2 schools you are considering might get you better insight. All private schools are different with different strengths

Chocolate1984 · 13/03/2020 22:32

My neighbour moved her dyslexic daughter to George Heriots and speaks highly of it. Massive improvement in support, feedback compared to state. I don’t know much about it other than she is happy and the girl is doing well- in high school now.

Samdeniel · 13/03/2020 22:36

I thought I would bias it by mentioning them! We are looking at St George’s and Watson’s.

OP posts:
Samdeniel · 13/03/2020 22:39

That’s interesting about Heriot’s, maybe we should look at them too. I hadn’t considered them as it has a reputation for being very academic and I was worried about the pressure of that.

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motherstongue · 13/03/2020 23:24

Ok, thanks Sam. I can’t help unfortunately as my DC went to Cargilfield so no knowledge of the 2 you are looking at. Cargilfield does, however, have a great reputation for support but is a bit of a full on school. Small and very nurturing though

Samdeniel · 14/03/2020 09:24

Thanks. Cargilfield looks lovely but I don’t think it’s the right fit for our family-a lot more £££.

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WickedGoodDoge · 14/03/2020 09:51

This will probably perplex some posters who have watched me sing the praises of Watsons for many years now (2 DC currently there), but unless your DD is the robust confident type, I wouldn’t touch them with a barge pole now.

Groovee · 14/03/2020 21:33

My nephews go to Watson's and both have dyslexia. Both have thrived and are given support to help stretch them to their full potential.

guessmyusername · 14/03/2020 23:54

Watson's had (probably still do!) an excellent reputation for helping with dyslexia. When my sister was there she used to help with scribing for pupils. The teacher at that time had a worldwide reputation. I expect she is no longer there, but I would also expect that the school still gives excellent support.

SD1978 · 15/03/2020 00:00

If you're willing to widen the net, Edinburgh Academy have good additional resources for students

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