Boarding schools for average pupils?

[thelastallosaurus]

Boarding schools for average children? Dd has dyslexia but copes well. She is sociable and outgoing and wants to go to boarding school but not an ultra competative school as she would not thrive there. She would probably ideally like somewhere that is strong in the arts (theatre and fine art and design.) She is also a keen horse rider and would need to be able to accomodate her riding lessons somehow. We live in the midlands but would be happy to move to be nearer to her school.

Any recommendations?

Woldingham, Benenden?

Another here suggesting Mayfield, East Sussex. It’s strong on the Equestrian front and has an excellent arts/ceramic department….

However it’s not a cheap area of the UK to live….might not be an issue for you though.

@Genevieva

PS and don’t know the schools in the midlands but have heard really good things about Repton, Uppingham and Oundle. I am not sure you’ll find anything down south so special it is worth the family upheaval.

Uppingham and Oundle are HUGELY academic though.

I have to second Millfield in Somerset. Originally set up as a school for dyslexia. Both my DC went there. DD very academic and sporty but did not need the LS.
DS on the other had took full advantage of all the LS available to him and did well enough to do A levels and is now at university.
Millfield has a fantastic arts department and also stables and equestrian centre. Funds permitting you can keep your own horse there.
Very expensive but lots of bursaries and scholarships available.
My two loved it.

Queenswood, Herts?

Queenswood is not really a good fit. Very little SEN there. Benenden is academic and not really suitable. Millfield is a much better shout. They are always said to be the most expensive comprehensive school!

Stonar in Wiltshire as a v good dyslexia unit, is very small and nurturing and good at the whole child, but the academic kids do well.

Heathfield in ascot or St George's Ascot sound like a good fit. They also both do polo lessons if she is interested in that.

Oundle is NOT a school for academically average pupils. And neither is it a schools for average pupils outside the classroom. It is also a school for more self-starting confident students who have self-drive to feed their passions instead of being watched over to do so.

Students at Oundle are either naturally smart or made to work hard to still get good grades. Frankly, it does work and for what goes in at 13 and what comes out at 18, it does an amazing job (on the whole).

I would caution that average pupils might only be average because they haven't found the right environment to flourish or the right activities/interests to flourish in. Definitely seek a dialogue with all schools and any parents to get honest opinions.

I know Repton and Uppingham are less academic and demanding than Oundle but I really don't know what your baseline is. Good luck!

Queenswood is cliquey and cold unless your daughter is one of the in-crowd. It's one of those schools where some alumni will say it was the best time of their lives, they made life-long friends, etc, while a significant proportion of others will remember feeling completely alone and unsupported. I wouldn't send a girl there unless they had cast-iron social skills and a tendency to let things slide off them. Pastoral care not up to much.

Lord Wandsworth in Hampshire or bedales

@sadpapercourtesan
Are you a current parent? I’m interested in your comments as both my DDs went there and I was chatting with one about her time there today as she has been contacted by them as a successful alumni. She doesn’t know what to do about the request! Her time there was very much compromised by the former SLT. They have all gone though. So I would hope for improvements since our day!