Thinking of moving to camden (2). Need a state school for ds1 (12) who also has asd and dyspraxia would look at private too I think (North Bridge House?). thoughts on Acland Burghley or other schools?

[BeattieBow]

I am thinking of moving back to Camden this summer and need to find a school for ds1.

he is very able and intelligent but has aspergers (fairly mildly I think) and dyspraxia. His main difficulties are his handwriting and concentration. He would also need fairly close supervision as he tends to mess around.

i worry about him in a large school too as he could get bullied and also loses his temper quite easily if provoked. he is also very disorganised.

Acland Burghley has (in theory if we get an address) a space and I have heard that they are pretty good with SN. But I also worry that it is large and very urban too.

I am not sure where else too look at for him to be honest. Any ideas?

We could go the private route as my MIL helps to fund fees for him currently at a private school, although we preferred not to. I was thinking about North Bridge House, but would welcome ideas on any other private schools who might be good for him.

anyone?

Have you ever thought about Portland Place (independant)? I have been told that the SEN there is fantastic. I have a daughter who has mild Aspergers and have been recommended to look at it for the future (she is year 4). However it is mainly boys (about 2/3rds) and therefore think not right for her. It is also pretty urban however and not much outdoor space (if your son needs that). Maybe worth a look at??

err, camden itself is "very urban" you know...

Have a look at Hampstead School- very large and urban, but a fantastic and well resourced SEN dept.

thanks all. yes I know Camden is urban - I lived there for 13 years! But I think that a large school may not be the thing for DS as he is easily bullied and picked on. and reacts very badly to that by lashing out.
I haven't heard of Portland Place remum but I'll take a look - thanks! i don't mind about no space etc - and ds doesn't either as he is not at all interested in sport, and prefers libraries or IT rooms to anything else. I just want somewhere where he feels safe, but also challenged a bit (his present school is very nurturing, and great on special needs, but is crap on the academic side).

Thanks tethersand I'll look at Hampstead school. What is is like for mainstream? I know someone who went there 25 years ago and I'm not sure she would recommend sending her children there! then again, we are thinking that W Hampstead is more affordable than Camden etc so maybe its an option.

Portland Place and Northbridge House have positive points, but may not be the best place for the very able. If he's bright enough, Westminster School or City of London will take him. Even without ASD and Dyspraxia, it's hard work with teenagers, so you need all the help you can get, why limit your horizons? Bursaries may help too if you can stomach the process.

State provision in central London for very able boys pre-GCSE always looks limited. If you moved to Islington he could try Dame Alice Owen. Islington is also in the catchment area, if you have any daughters, for Latymer.
Good luck!

Thanks Bananas you're right, we should aim higher with him. But not sure he's exceptionally bright.

Do in- year places come up at schools like Latymer? He is currently in y7. Dh is really anti sending him private and his siblings state. I would prefer state for him too really.

Sorry but no realistic chance of getting him into latymer post 11+ entry. Plus if he needs supervision because he'll mess around then latymer is not for him.

How about William ellis. Its not a big school and the new head is ace apparently.

Yes, there may be a place at William Eliis, but there are people on waiting list so it may not still be there when we have a lease.

That's what I assumed about latymer ( and similar schools) . I don't know how any one with school aged children ever moves house.