Riverston College/School

[Riverston]

Hello, do any of you have experience of Riverston College in Eltham South London, the Sixth Form of Riverston School?

I’ve asked this on the SEN part of the Education boards but am also asking here as it’s a mainstream school.

Our LA are suggesting it for our highly academic, autistic daughter who has an EHCP and is doing A levels.

There is woefully little information about the college or school on their website.

The school has a lot of experience with autism and more than half the school have EHCPs. I would consider it for my dd, but it is too far. They take a very mixed ability groups, but many children with the profile you describe. Best thing to do is call them and ask for a tour. I am more familiar with the school, not the sixth form.

riverstonschool.co.uk/about/examination-results/

A level results here

I have know some people who are very happy with Riverston and others who really have not been. I have never thought it is particularly academic - it looks as if they are rebranding a bit?

Hi OP I wouldn't recommend it for SEND, specifically if your child does have a great academic capacity.
If your LA is willing to fund an independent setting it may be worth looking at :
-Farrington's
-St Dunstan's
-Abingdon House
-Colfe's (though this is very highly focused and pressured environment academically, you'd need to check it out fully).
Best of luck!

Also perhaps Blackheath High?

We are looking at Riverston for our son for secondary. We have just got an autism diagnosis and are in process for EHCP. Why wouldn’t you recommend it for SEND please?

Hi,

We are based in East Dulwich and based on recent feedback, we don't think our son would do well in some of the mainstream Secondary Schools in the area. We have an EHCP and a diagnosis of ASD and dyslexia. He is really sociable and has really great friends in primary but struggles academically ( mainly with reading, writing, and spelling due to his dyslexia and concentration problems) We think mainstream secondary would be too overwhelming, and are looking for smaller classes with a bit more support. Would be keen to hear recent feedback from someone with kids at Riverston or another school with similar support? Also, has anyone got EHC/LA covering some of the cost of tuition?

Many thanks

Hi,

Wondering if anyone has had the most recent feedback on Riverstone school? Our Ds has an asd and dyslexia diagnosis and potentially ADHD. We went to see the school and, to some extent, felt the most suitable option as there was a good balance between support and a wide range of needs and good social integration prospects. However, the building and facilities were a bit rundown, and curious about some feedback here around the lack of academic ambition?

Any recent feedback would be incredibly useful- thank you.

Did you ever get any feedback @YourOpalDreamer from other sources, as I have similar questions to you re Riverston

Hi there @Farmhouse1234 - No, I don't think I did. Have you visited the facilities? Other questions I have are, considering it is an independent school, and the facilities are not great. I have seen other places with similar fees but upgraded.

Have you seen other schools ?

Thank you.

@YourOpalDreamer ah thanks for replying - no, not visited yet. I’ve been advised to start looking now so will make a concerted effort shortly. I’m after a kind nurturing school with small classes and support for a child who has significant sensory issues.
Have you considered Sackville? The one in Kent. I’ve heard good things about it. I’m wanting somewhere that can cater for academic kids but have been advised to consider specialist schools due to other needs. Although I doubt the LA will pay, even with an EHCP. So I’m just stressing about it all (without much action) atm!

I think we are on the same page regarding LA. We are considering our options. We live in SE London, so Kent looks a bit far away for a daily commute. On the other hand, options around London look quite limited.

Will have a look at your suggestion, though.

Many thanks!!

Marta

Good Luck - do let me know if you find nirvana 😁