Independent schools with good SEN support sw London and Surrey

[LolaDolly]

Hi,

My son is at the end of year 5 and really struggling at school. No where near expected level for numeracy and slightly below for literacy. He has recently been diagnosed with mild dyslexia, dyscalculia, poor working memory and slow processing. I have been warned he probably wont pass his SATs. Despite our local bits secondary being outstanding I have lost faith in the state school system as its been such a fight to get this far so am thinking of independent for secondary. Are there any schools in the sw London or Surrey area that might be good with him? It would have to be non selective.

Thank you.

IT is crap Polista but if any consolation even the 'mainstream' bright kids are feeling rubbish about themselves. The system is awful. There are too many kids (particularly in this high birth rate year group) and not enough school places. The so-called 'back up' schools have started turning down mainstream bright kids. Super selective schools turning down v v bright kids etc.
nobody is winning this.

Registrars at most schools are on holiday now until late August/first week of September. I would add caution about Box Hill looks like it's hitting a rough patch with staff and pupils leaving.

The Moat in Fulham starts at Year 5.

Would also agree with all the other schools mary19 suggested.

Fulham Prep / Seniors may be good. It is just starting to expand up so probably not too selective and the sort of 'extended prep school' atmosphere may suit him?

Canbury School in Kingston.

Probably too far I’m guessing but my son goes to St Christopher School in Hertfordshire! Amazing amazing amazing school! Not academically selective and really support and accept all needs. My son has similar needs and is thriving! They don’t do SATS or tests such as that they just do their own assessments through out the year but the school still do very well!

You could think about King Edwards, Witley if you were considering boarding (or moving yourselves). It's slightly easier to get to than Box Hill from Wimbledon I think (either direct from Clapham Junction or change at Guildford) but too far to do everyday. Agree that Duke of Kent has a fantastic reputation but is oversubscribed and difficult to get to.

Would also agree that moving to a prep (even one that goes to 13) is not a sensible option as most secondaries pre test at 11 even for 13 plus entry so he would be going straight into exams over the first two terms in a new environment.

Re the comment above- I agree re a completely mainstream prep. However, somewhere like Bruern Abbey or Moon Hall (within Belmont Prep) would be very good as it would enable specialist teaching.

Kew Green Prep in Kew is a good school for all levels and are good with children with dyslexia, dyspraxia, etc.. Would not try Kew College though, they do not have the resource for kids struggling as you describe and are geared towards achieving top results above all.

Also heard good things about Fulham Prep, and as said above, they are expanding into secondary school so they may have places, so if you get in now, you can continue there or reassess for 13+ or even Sixth Form when the dyslexia advantages kick in.

Hello. I’m coming to this a bit late so I’m hoping the thread is still live. Also it’s long post so apologies in advanced! I have 2 daughters but hoping this is still the right place to post! Daughter 1 - bright, (iq of 135) mild to moderate dyslexia but coping well at outstanding state primary near Kingston. Just had CAT scores of 115 and is above average in everything. So overall not concerned about her but we are looking fir 11+ (forgot to say she’s currently in yr 4). Her 1st choice is KGS, 2nd Surbi High but I’m worried she won’t get in. She’s feisty, hard working so want her in a rock solid top performer, not somewhere that is 2nd rate. Ed psych says with her iq she can go anywhere but will need supporting with her dyslexia at gcse and beyond. 2nd daughter a different story. Current yr 2 same state primary but is way behind. Has v high iq of 145 and moderate to severe dyslexia but has been rejected from surbi high at 7+ as is too far behind. Was told Manor House great for dyslexics but today I recurved a call from head of SEN saying that according to her Ed Psych report they cannot support her despite class sizes as small as 10. I’m gutted. My plan was 2 to 3 yrs at Msnor hs juniors then to apply for surbiton high at 11+ or if she failed staying at Manor House throughout. I’m now stuck wondering where she will end up. Our local state options are poor with minimal send provision and it seems all the private’s are ‘too’ academic. Anyone got any thoughts on good less academic but strong schools in SW London / north Surrey area?? Arghhh from a disappointed mamma!!

@Mammamiammy , you need to start a new thread but SHS is no place for SEN, it's far too big and they aren't interested despite what they say.
Try Ewell Castle, the new head has come from SHS Seniors.

I would definitely look at the Hall. Your son sounds similar to mine, who has just finished Y8 there. It is not specifically an SEN school, but they are very sympathetic to SEN. There is room for everyone from academic high achievers to those who struggle but are helped to fulfil their potential. Also, he wouldn't have to change schools for Y7. Proximity is also important in my opinion as he will probably want to be independent some time soon, and won't always want lifts or complicated journeys.

Sorry LolaDolly, just realised my post's a bit late! You have probably moved on now. Best wishes anyway.

Canbury School in Kingston.

Lola,

If your DS does not have an EHCP, get the process started.

LolaDolly
Would love to hear what school you have chosen in the end?

Hello LolaDolly
I'm in a very similar situation to the one you were in when you posted this and I'd really like to know how you got on, if you're still accessing these messages.