Help - Private senior schools that dont reject Dyslexic children

[AllTheUsernamesGone]

I really need help looking for Senior schools for my DS. My DD doesn't want to move from her school in Highgate. So I'm trying to find a Senior school for my DS. He doesn't need to go to a specialist school but will need help. I'm sort of stuck in a grey area. I can't afford Fairley House. I'm looking for schools like Aldenham with flexi boarding. I'm looking out of London now. I was wondering if there was any schools with fast train links. We tried St. Christopher's but failed. Really didn't want my DS to have to sit the 11+ but its looking that way. DS has gone through so much and I'm really worried that he will find the exams too much. He's a bright boy and very creative but really struggles in exams. Just trying to protect him from rejection and failure. I hate this system.
So we live in Hackney and DD school is in Highgate. At this stage I'm open to anything but full boarding makes me so sad.

Eastbourne? St Bedes might be worth a look

I think it has quite a lot of London-based weekly boarders

Portland Place has a reputation for extra attention/places for dyslexia. Have you considered North Bridge House in either Canonbury or hampstead?

Bedales leaps to mind, though I don't know it personally - worth a look maybe? Close to petersfield station which is fast to Waterloo.

Mount House (non selective) don’t know about dyslexia provision www.mounthouse.org.uk
Thames Christian College mainstream but crested approved www.thameschristianschool.org.uk
More specialist More House www.morehouseschool.co.uk
Canbury would be a long trek daily//canburyschool.co.uk
SherradsWood Welwyn Garden city www.sherrardswood.co.uk

Pretty much all non selective independent schools are choc full of dyslexic children.

Its hard as everywhere seems to need exams.to get in.....are you sure he wouldnt cope in the state system - often the SEN support is better..
however if not we are further west -
Leighton Park in Reading were really lovely - child focused... but maybe a bit far to train although I think they had some boarding
others were all day schools which would probably be too much from highgate..

Just thought of another left field option Dwight International school www.dwightlondon.org/academics/learning-support

What about a Quaker school? Bootham? Full boarding, 2 hours from London, lots of freedom and creativity, good SEN support.

I second Northbridge House x 2.

King Alfred is low-pressure and happy with leeway for SEN and individuality, on the border of Hampstead/Golders Green. It is all through, so you might escape 11+ if you get an occasional place for year 5 or 6. Their 11+ is otherwise not selective on academics but oversubscribed (few places) and seems to pick primarily on team exercises.

It's a pity if your own fear of rejection (on his behalf, but still) stops you from trying suitable day schools in London, especially if you're not keen on boarding... The impact on the kids of rejection depends largely on how their parents handle it - which is in your control! Avoid the most selective, ensure you have a state as back-up that you talk positively about, and keep a "worth trying, but it's very popular" attitude whilst avoiding all school talk with peers, and you might be OK. (No lasting damage here despite my two kids getting more rejections than places)

Many thanks for all the suggestions. Northbridge, Portland and King Alfreds have been very helpful and understanding. Great schools for DS but this is another big year and both schools are very popular. I've sent his EP report to all the schools to make sure he's a good fit. I've gone through the 11+ with DD and we got through it with no scars. My daughter's very academic but we actually choose Channing in the end because of its pastoral care. DD is extremely happy and loves school. Definitely want my kids to be kids. Will go through all the suggestions. If I could move and be in the middle of both schools that could work. Thank you.

Box Hill school

I have heard that Shiplake is good - would that be a possibility? It is Henley way and does boarding....

We’ve been recommended Felstead in Essex. Close to Stansted airport so should be fairly accessible. We have twins, one high performing and the other not so! He’s not got a specific learning need but struggles a lot. May have slight processing issues. Apparently Felstead cater for a very broad range and the support and pastoral care is excellent.

That’s Felsted not Felstead!

Have you discounted Aldenham? I know someone who has a DD at channing and a DS at Aldenham.

What ability is he?

Reed’s School in Cobham? Learning support included in fees there.
Halliford?
Kingswood House?

Many thanks to everyone for helping. I really appreciate your time and effort.
Raederie - Haven't discounted Aldenham. Wow there's a bus route from Highgate that I didn't know about.

Lots of support for dyslexia at Aldenham - it’s a long day though.

They do 11+ but DC and parents have an interview with the head so lots of opportunity to paint a full picture and work out whether it’s right for your DS.

My youngest DS was at the primary school. He is severely dyslexic and Aldenham worked hard with us until it became clear he needed a specialist school and they helped us find the right place.

Many parents with DCs with mild/moderate dyslexia are very happy there.