Prior's Field school and manor house school

[Catco912]

Hi there, hoping some current mums at these two schools can give me some advice. My DD is looking at year seven entry sept 2025 and we loved both of these schools. She is academic and neurodivergent and on the anxious side. She wears loop earplugs to reduce noise at school and really enjoys primary school. We want to make the best choice to support her needs in secondary. I am interested as to current parents experience generally of both of these schools but also the support for ND girls needing some reasonable adjustments. I have heard a bit about PF being laid back and not on top of behaviour which worries me for a sensitive and shy girl who may not enjoy a rowdy school with bad behaviour around her. Is the atmosphere at PF a bit chaotic and not so good for someone who needs structure/routine/quiet areas? She is very musical and I wondered what the orchestras and music is like in both.
I would really value any thoughts…

I don't know anything about Manor House, but we have a daughter at Prior's Field.
I while ago we were the similar situation choosing between a few schools. We had a couple of friends with their daughters either at PF at that time or had finished the school and they always spoke very highly about PF. Currently we think we have made the right choice and very pleased with the school.

I cannot recognise the school from your description, I am not aware about any persistent behaviour issues. There is a clear warning system in place for any misbehaviour and equally the system of merits for achievement, participation and effort. Our daughter had never mentioned any really disruptive behaviour or cases of bullying. Pastoral care is excellent, the year 7 transition period was taken very seriously and the school made sure that the girls properly bonded across the year group.

I don’t know anything about school's provision for neurodivergent children. Perhaps if you contact the school they would tell you about it. The cohort is pretty diverse ranging from very bright and competitive girls to the ones who are shy and need support. Taking into consideration that the school accept the girls with different abilities (not just10% of the most academic ones) they manage to achieve a pretty impressive result.

There are many clubs, including music ones. A few days ago there was the Classic at the Candlelight concert and I know about Pop and Rock club, I believe the music provision is very good, but our daughter is not musical, so I am not familiar with this side of school.
I would advise you to re-visit both schools, preferably not at the open day but to see "school in action", and follow your gut feel.
I believe Manor House school doesn't have a Sixth Form although PF has. It is pretty small, but can be an advantage for someone who prefers a small familiar environment.
The school is definitely nurturing, supportive and friendly.

I think you could be better served with the more academic schools such as GHS. Excellent at music. Lots of girls neurodivergent. But if you need more formal learning support then it’s not the right school.

The less academic schools often say they can support neurodiversity but they want bums on seats and really can’t offer the help required.

Thank you for your advice, what schools do you have personal experience of in the area?