Cokethorpe or OLA?

[KipsyB]

Hello everyone. I’m new here but would really appreciate any up to date thoughts on OLA senior school for my son who is 11 and dyslexic. He’s currently at Bruern Abbey and doing really well within their dyslexic set up but the school, being a prep school, finishes at year 8 when he will sit CE. He’s not particularly sporty but loves DT, art, drama etc. He’s bright with a good IQ (above 125) but hampered by the usual dyslexic traits such as poor working memory, slow processing etc. His Maths is dire but his English, surprisingly, is quite good.

I’ve visited Cokethorpe and really like it but he may not get in due to his academics, particularly his Maths. Any advice re OLA would be much appreciated. I am looking at a few boarding schools too (Teddies, Stowe, Rugby, Bloxham, Shiplake) but finances would be heavily stretched even if he got in to any of them so a day school would be far more preferable if possible.

Many thanks in advance.

If you can stretch to it I would pick Shiplake or Teddies over OLA any day (don't now the other Boarding school you mention but in terms of resources and quality of teaching I would guess they would be way above OLA too) . Have direct experience of OLA which was not great, uninspiring teaching, pastoral support spread too thinly and uninspiring head. But having said that others have had good experiences. My view though that it is relatively low cost but you get what you pay for.

Thank you so much responding. I’m sure that you’re right about getting what you pay for although before moving DS to Bruern Abbbey we shelled out for an expensive prep for him for five years but really weren’t very impressed with the quality of teaching despite the cost.
It’s so helpful to have your feedback on OLA- thank you!

I have a friend with a dyslexic son at Shiplake and he is doing really well and is happy there.

Would Pangbourne be an option? Again, I've heard good things about it.

Thanks 1805. Yes, going to see Shiplake in a few weeks so great to hear that. Sadly I’m not keen on all the marching at Pangbourne that I hear about and I’m certain my son wouldn’t be. Shame! Thank you.

Bloxham are opening/have opened a new day house which is much more affordable than boarding and can’t be too far from you if he is at Bruern Abbey at the moment. It is a fantastic school and does wonders with those who aren’t necessarily amazingly academic. Teddies is v expensive - even the day fees ...

They also have a specialist dyslexia unit

Hi toobusytothink
Thank you! I was aware of the new day house arrangement at Bloxham but we’re south of Bruern, which is already a bit of a hike, so it would have to be weekly boarding at Bloxham. It’s good to hear such positive things about it. I totally agree about the fees at Teddies...crazy day fee and, as yet, no school transport organised although I’ve heard rumours that they are thinking of starting a school bus system.
I’m looking forward to the various open days I’m booked into next term as, until you actually set foot in a place, it’s all so intangible. I visited Cheltenham College a few weeks ago fully expecting to love it after seeing it on paper- it left me completely cold. Thank you again for your helpful comments.

What about Unicorn at Abingdon. I understand it now goes to 16. I worked with someone who’s GS went there they said it was amazing.
Although I guess it’s aimed at those with severe dyslexia.

Cokethorpe sounds like a decent fit in fact. They are strong on drama and art and an IQ of 125 sounds fine. Their learning support team is great though you might want to check on the current position. Unicorn is also a sensible choice and my understanding is also that it makes sense for a higher degree of dyslexia. Cokethorpe has a lovely location and caring staff. There are options to avoid the traditional herd sports if you need something gentler. My son has pals there who avoid the rugby if that’s a concern!

Is Kingham Hill too far?

@KipsyB When you say "all the marching" - you do realise they march only 1 Sunday per month? It's not a chore at all - it's really impressive for something they spend only a little time on. It's not a "military school" if that is your fear. Really great school with great pastoral care, but not for everyone.