Independent school in southHertfordshire or near by for a dyslexic child

[Ljn01]

My dd is in year 5 and I am starting to look at secondary schools.
Any advice on schools to look at which are non selective and more nurturing as she has diagnosis of dyslexia. She is in a state primary school so any exam prep for an exam has not started yet.
There are so many different schools to consider and look at!
We have viewed Sherradswood in Welwyn Garden City and really like the approach - any feedback would be appreciated.
She would like a mixed school but not ruling out single sex.
Queenswood and The Mount House are nearby.
North ridge is also one to consider although traffic maybe too much.
Open to suggestions but not Aldenham as have not heard great things.
Its a mindful going into the private school world!

Have you considered St Margaret’s in Bushey?

It’s not “non-selective” but looks for fit rather than strict academic ranking, so accommodates a range of abilities. It’s got a very nurturing and holistic approach.

Its nearby by daughter wants boys!! Although I think we may look at it. Thanks for the reply

Aldenham is amazing. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Massively under rated imo

@Ljn01

Its nearby by daughter wants boys!! Although I think we may look at it. Thanks for the reply

There are boys! They are in a phased moved towards full co-ed. Boys are already integrated in the Junior School and 6th form, with more to come.

*phased move

Mount House has a reputation for being very nurturing and the school (although small and could do with updating) is set on such a lovely therapeutic location. My daughter wanted to go there, but we ended up choosing another independent.

I have also never heard anything bad about Aldenham or Queenswood (my daughter has friends at both). Both have a very full timetable and very long days though (and they are both selective and increasingly more popular).

What is it about Aldenham that you don't like?

If she can get over the single sex thing then I would highly recommend Queenswood. Their support for dyslexia, dyscalculia etc is superb.

I had friends who have children at Aldenham and haven’t been happy. One can only judge on personal experiences! However I am open minded etc

How dyslexic is your DD? If she’s severely dyslexic you could look at Holme Court in Cambridge- quite a few of the students live in Herts.

Spelling is the main area of weakness which impacts a few other areas. She isn’t severe enough for a specialised unit.
Also having never even thought about entrance exams how intense are they? Being at a state school there is no prep.
She has a dyslexic tutor who also preps for entrance exams.

Mount House has an entrance exam of sorts, but it only tests the child's level. They are not academically selective.

My daughter found the Queenswood and Aldenham exams pretty easy (and she's not academically talented although not dyslexic) but she was at a prep.

You can prepare for the exams at home by buying the 11+ Bond books for English, Maths, VR and NVR (I can't remember which of the schools test NVR). Then you know what level your daughter is at. Mount House is the only independent in North London/Herts that I know of that really isn't academically selective. There could be others

OP, sounds like St Edmunds College in Ware, might be perfect for your DD. IT’s one of the least selective in Herts but it’s results are very decent. There is an entry test but it’s more for setting purposes. It’s pastoral care is very well spokenof.

St Christopher's Letchworth is great too. They have a daily bus from N London and those areas so it might go by you.