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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

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Original poster

HELP NEEDED PLEASE!! Year 9 struggling in present school...

14 replies

purity77 · 02/07/2013 15:08

Hello
I am new here. My son is currently in Year 9 in a state school. He has been struggling for a while with regards to getting on with his peers and gettign to grips with the school work. Its a fairly large school and what was once a very good school is not so now. There has been a change in leadership as of last year but things arent getting better. Recntly advised by sons head year to move him! At such a crucial time!

I am looking for non selective independent secondary schools in the London, Herts or Surrey area as He used to be in one during primary and feel that he hasnt made the transition too well and not sure he is up to sitting selective entry tests.

Thank you for all your help in advance

OP posts:

QueenOfToast · 02/07/2013 15:24

We live in Herts. Independent schools that I can think of are: Aldenham, Sherrardswood and St Colombus.

Good luck with your search.

titchy · 02/07/2013 15:28

Claremont in Surrey?

Original poster

purity77 · 02/07/2013 16:07

Thank you very much for oyur replies QueenOfToast and titchy

Im so concerned about changing him at this stage but things seem to be getting form bad to worse. Anyone had an experience of this? Also wondering whether this is just how Year 9 boys are and there could be a possibility of growing through it...

OP posts:

newgirl · 02/07/2013 16:09

St columbas has a good reputation

titchy · 02/07/2013 16:24

Without knowing him its hard to say how much is hormones, how much genuinely not fitting in an how much is schools fault. Tbh if school says he'd be better off elsewhere you probably need to listen.

Given that most private schools finish this week you need to make enquiries NOW for September start.

Original poster

purity77 · 02/07/2013 16:33

Yes titchy you are correct!

He is a normal and fun loving kid outside of school but when he is at school its a nightmaree - tears, tantrums...

I think I will need to get onto the phones immediately.

Thanks once again

OP posts:

Original poster

purity77 · 02/07/2013 16:33

Thank you 'new girl'

OP posts:

mummytime · 03/07/2013 09:22

Have you looked at University Technical Colleges? They are new state schools, mainly 14-18. There is one in Reading which may still have places and there are others. They provide a very different form of education which may suit if he is technically minded.

pixelchick10 · 03/07/2013 17:42

Awww I feel for you ... where do you live? Two of my daughters Y9 friends are moving schools now so start the new one in Sept for Y10 so it's not that unusual though not ideal ... sounds like you have no option ... Halliford in Shepperton? Claremont? Radnor House in Twickenham?

Original poster

purity77 · 08/07/2013 13:35

Apologies 'mummytime' and 'pixelchick10' for th elate reply. Was away on a lovely long weekend.

Many thanks for your responses. I havent heard of the University Technical Colleges. Will have a look at this :)

'pixelchick10' I live in Harrow but am so desperate at the moment will consider moving to surrey also, if I have to. My husband works that way.
Glad to hear its no only me in this boat but also feel for you with 2 daughters having to move at this time. I wishing you all the best of luck and hope it goes smoothly. Many thaks for your suggestions. Will give them a go

OP posts:

springrain · 08/07/2013 21:54

What aspects of school or out of school life does he like/did he used to like before things went wrong? Which aspects of school work is he struggling with - all subjects/homework/written subjects etc? Did he not settle in year 7 or is the friendship problem a newer thing? If you can tell us some more about him we might be able to help with more ideas.

Original poster

purity77 · 09/07/2013 14:22

Thank you 'springrain'
He was at a much smaller school for primary and I think he never really settled when he transferred to year 7 in his current school, a boys school. As a result his confidence diminished greatly and his work then suffered. He loves science but has never really got to grips with the other subjects.

Outside of school he is like a different child, even though he seems to get on better with children slightly older than him or even adults. His conversational skills are great!
Im now wondering to consider what I could aim to improve if I am not able to move him to a better school for Year 10.
Maybe more one-to-one tuition, extra clubs.
He is an only child too - but also wondering whether hormones are playing a factor in all of this too.
Thanks for all your continued advice and support :) x

OP posts:

springrain · 10/07/2013 00:21

That is helpful. If you do move rather than boost, I would actually aim for a large secondary as this will give him more GCSE options choices which you can skew towards his interests. Science would be a given, but a larger school that specialises in science and hence also offers subjects like electronics as well might give him more options he would like, plus expose him more to children with similar interests. So I would investigate schools that are science colleges. Whilst it will seem hard to move now children do move in Y9 so I would look at what else is available. Try the state sector as well a private - you may be surprised.

You don't mention sport either - if he is not sporty a mixed school might also be better as boys tend to judge a lot on sporting ability. So a non sporty boy can get left out a lot by boys, whereas girls are generally less bothered about this, and will even out the extremes of behaviour more.

outtolunchagain · 10/07/2013 08:14

St Christopher's in Letchworth has a lovely reputation

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