St james senior girls school or Kew house

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We are going round in circles trying to decide between these two schools. DD is very dyslexic but has a high IQ and we want her to be in a place she can thrive.

We went to see both the schools and SHGS told us despite the high SEN population they expect a lot of their girls and they deliver.

DD preferred KH looking round because it looked more fun, had boys etc but I got the impression it wasn’t super ambitious. The head seemed focussed on getting the d average up to a c average and said many of the kids sit foundation level maths and science. I’m concerned that she would get streamed early and low expectations set.

I’d really appreciate views of any current parents of either school.

I have friends w kids at both. I think St J is solidly academic rather than super academic. Quite humanities leaning. Very small. They all seem quite happy with it but I haven’t heard anyone rave about it. No idea about dyslexia support , but do make sure they are on it.

I think Kew House takes kids from a range of abilities. The parents w academic kids there seem very happy their kids are being pushed. It’s more science-y (I think!), and has the reputation for being very innovative. The people who like it seem to really really like it. But again check on SEN.

I’d ask to talk to parents of dyslexic kids in both schools if you can, but overall I don’t think you need to worry about your daughter not being pushed at Kew - you can always arrange a chat with the head if you want. And if that’s where she wants to go that’s very important.

Thanks so much for the reply. I've spoken to both the heads but I think they often tell you what you want to hear. I know ST James isn't super academic but they seem to get great results considering how high the intake of kids who learn differently is.

It's good to know they still push them at Kew. I wish I knew someone there whose child was dyslexic and struggled in Junior School. Mine has been constantly treated as the class dunce and is only now starting to learn in a way that suits her, I don't want to lose that momentum.

I have a couple of friends who have children with dyslexia at KH. They are really happy with the school and feel their children are being stretched.