Surrey secondary school - independent (for sporty dyslexic child)

[misseeychristina]

Hi - I have a 10 year old son who is dyslexic. Not bad enough to need a specialist dyslexic school (e.g. Moon Hall) but bad enough for his English grades to be affected.
He is strong in maths and reasoning. Very strong at all sports (ear marked as a potential sports scholar).

We are in the Dorking area and are thinking about secondaries. Does anyone have any suggestions for a private secondary school within 30 mins drive that isn't ultra academic but will provide the sporting opportunities he needs.

Dunottar/Downsend - seem too small to provide the sport to a high level
Epsom College/Whitgift/Reigate Grammar/St Johns - have the right sporting levels but think his dyslexia will prevent him getting into them..

I need a school that isn't too academic but very sporty.

Any suggestions? thank you x

It's too far away but St James's in Ashford is perfect for you.
Nearer to you is Royal Russell.

Box Hill, Ardingly or Worth (if a bit further away) or Ewell Castle.

How about Caterham School?

Depends on exactly where you are but
Halliford in Shepperton
Seaford College in Sussex
Box Hill (it has sport but not really same level as others you mention)
King Edwards in Witley (but more of football school than rugby if that matters)
Shiplake College in henley

Some have weekly boarding options if too far for day if that's something you'd consider.

When we did the open day at Epsom College, the girl who showed us around had dyslexia and dyspraxia if I remember correctly, she said they were super supportive and offered plenty of accommodations and extra help whenever she needed, she said she had never felt under pressure there. She was very sporty as well, I think they are keen on sports scholars. It may have become more selective recently, I don't know, but I wouldn't rule out these types of schools, go for an open day and have a chat with the members of staff.

Ewell Castle or Claremont Fan probably worth a look ?

Thank you all.... much appreciated...

Caterham looks great - but I thought it was really hard to get into ... is that not right? x

Caterham is academically selective but perhaps more tolerant of an uneven learning profile than some others mentioned, especially if sporty.

My DS is dyslexic and sporty - terrible English and amazing maths. He was turned down flag by St. John’s and Epsom. Reeds were more supportive - I think alot of schools say the right thing but don’t always follow up.

thank you both - really useful to have this insight...

Hi there! I have a sporty boy at Dunottar (as well as another boy at a different school on your list) and based on my experience I definitely wouldn't rule it out. His rugby team were super successful last season and only lost one match. Football is played in the spring term which is unusual and makes it very attractive if you have a footie mad child. They enter teams in the ISFA and ESFA cup every year. Cricket is extremely popular, the quality of the players and coaching is of a very high standard.

I'm not sure if you can DM on here but happy to give you more information. I haven't been on this site in years but just came on for Christmas present ideas for teenagers and thought I would search on Dunottar !