Kingswood House School Epsom

[ameliethree]

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone as any knowledge of the secondary provision now at Kingswood House School?
We are looking to move out son out of his huge state secondary - but are looking for somewhere with really good support and pastoral care. He's on the spectrum but coped academically, just needs a more nurturing environment where he won't get lost. Any advice on this or other schools in Surrey that you think may be worth a look would be so much appreciated as it's been a very difficult year. 🤞😔

Sorry for the typos - typing in a hurry 😳

Downsend?

Have a look at Ewell Castle.

We didn't find Downsend particularly nurturing, but my child left a couple of years ago before they offered education up to 16.

Don't have personal experience of secondary but know people who do. It's small so your DS couldn't get lost. A few years ago was certainly a nurturing environment in prep.

Going through a transformation at the moment from a prep school (approx 20 per year group in 2 classes) which catered to a mix of kids from scholarship to those who needed learning support (used to be know for dyslexia in particular).

New head came in 2 years ago to lead the transition from prep finishing at Y8 to through school where you can take GCSEs finishing in Y11.

From what I hear, higher % of kids on spectrum in secondary than there were in prep years. (And still have some of dyslexic kids ) and others who are looking for smaller environment. Probably about 60 of boys left at end of Y8 to go to others secondary schools (part of normal movement at end of Y8.

Given size, there isn't as competitive sport in secondary as you'd get at bigger school and there is limit to GCSEs they provide (but covers all the main ones).

It's a lot smaller than Ewell Castle And on a much smaller site.

To clarify - I was responding to question re KHS

And when I say 60 left. Should be 60%

I would look at all the standard private secondaries in your area. Sometimes bigger schools have systems in place to provide excellent pastoral care. Small schools not always best in these circumstances. Financially small schools will find it difficult with teachers pensions increasing so much in September and quite a few prep schools moving to 16. I think in that area there is an over provision of schools.

Thanks for your input - we're in Reigate but none of our local independent schools would even look at his EHCP when I mentioned he had one. Have approached Box Hill a couple of times over the past 6 months but despite chasing have still not received any response so doesn't instill alot of confidence.

Duke of Kent could be an option if not too far. More House Frensham but too far but offers boarding. Private schools can be a bit scared by statements just because they will have very few with a ECHP at the school. Read the schools ISI inspectors report to see how many they have.

If you're in Reigate I would have said Dunottar is the place to look.

We are minutes walk from Dunottar and having looked at it think it would work really well for him but they wouldn't even look at his EHCP sadly - just said their provision in that area was full 😔

Hi, I realise that this thread is a bit old but if you are still looking for a private school with SEN support, I would also suggest looking at HawleyHurst school in Camberley, although if you are in Reigate, it would mean a long commute.

Hi is there an easy way of finding out which independent schools have SEN provision without having to look on their websites? I am London based and trying to compose a short list of Schools in London and surrounding areas so that I can organise visits.

@Ruby1001 , the schools re-position themselves as the years progress and they get more popular, see recent posts about Claremont Fan and Radnor House. It is best to speak to each Registrar outlining what you are looking for.

Hi,Any advice on Kingswood School in Epsom and Banstead Prep?I am currently looking at those 2 for my son who has speech delay ,think also has some focus/attention difficulties which is being assessed /waiting for assessment at the moment.He is progressing but def will benefit from some extra 1:1 support and my understanding is that both those schools have facilities and offer that support .My other concern is that due to his communication difficulties he struggles to socialise with other kids and we need really nurturing supporting environment where he is not going to be bullied .any advice please!

I would also like to hear about Kingswood House for secondary, year 7 onwards. Thanks