First post here... my 10-yo boy is bright (represented his school for their maths competition, reading 2 years ahead etc), but quite problematic. For instance he's been expelled from several after school clubs for adversarial behaviours.
We went for ADHD diagnosis a few years ago which came out inconclusive. He had a year of drama therapy which I think helped a little. It was suggested that he could have autism at some point. But as his verbal ability is so good his teachers quickly ruled that out at the time. At some point a friend who is a neuroscientist suggested that he could have Pathological Demand Avoidance, which I think it's a form of autism.
We tried all the 11+ exams and even after two years of prep he didn't get into any. He does have two potential music offers but there is no guarantee. In a way it was a relief that he didn't go into any of the high demanding grammars as I never thought it would be suitable. He really wanted to go to Latymer as a lot of his friends are going/trying.
So we are now going down the independent route. This is also partially because we think with his personality, he is likely to be bullied in a mainstream. He seems to be influenced quite a bit by kids around him.
Dose anyone have recommendations of schools (ideally in North London) better suited for kids like him?
His tutor thinks Highgate and City are both good options; but we are not convinced that those school have the capacity and motive to support kids like him.
I read somewhere Latymer Upper is a good option, but that would mean we will have to move house which is a lot of work (and money...).