Independent school for my sporty, dyslexic son in south Herts

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We are looking at an independent school for Yr7 secondary. He has a diagnosis of dyslexia and we believe that he would benefit from smaller size classes and more personal teaching. A high standard of pastoral care is just as important as the academic side.

He is bright, but not exceptional, good at and and therefore likes maths and science. He is very good at football, cricket and athletics.

He is a kind, sensitive boy, with good circle of friends and is popular at school.

We are in south Herts and at the moment are considering Aldenham and St Columba's.

Everything I have read about Aldenham school is positive, whereas St Columba's has mixed reviews. I don't want a long commute, so have discounted Berkhampstead school & St Christopher's in Letchworth. Can't afford or want Habs, as too academic.

I just want to choose the right school for DS to be happy and self-confident and a grow into a well rounded person, rather than to be an academic high achiever, but I don't want to stifle his potential either.

Would love to hear from parents with experience of either of these schools, good, bad or indifferent, or other suggestions.

Both schools are the "go to" schools from my prep for boys who are well rounded in their outlook but not suited to St Albans, Habs or Merchant Taylor's.

St Columba's suffers a little from being the school your son goes to if they don't get into St Albans and some see it as a poor alternative. Those boys I know there are extremely happy and being well supported as needed. They thrive because they are being nurtured as opposed to being all about results.

Both schools are great options.

From everything I hear Aldenham is a good option

Aldenham is fabulous for kids who aren't Habs, MT's material and is a football school with no rugby. You could also look at mill hill which is very similar. I should add that if you can't afford Habs you certainly won't be able to afford Aldenham which is the most expensive of the private schools in the area. I wouldn't expect much change from £8k per term once you hit year 9.

Aldenham - very sporty, not very academic, very expensive.
St Columba's - has less of a reputation, smaller school, usually seen as the "second choice" by lots of families, probably has a wider range of children there (both in terms of ability and income). I know a few boys there who went there because the state option in High Barnet for boys is very poor. They would not have chosen an Indie otherwise and chose it partly due to cost - they are very happy with the choice though and academically are doing well.

No sure where you are in south Herts but St Martha,s has gone coed and been rebranded www.mounthouse.org.uk/