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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Belfast Grammar SEN experiences

4 replies

HoHoGo · 29/12/2023 19:39

DS is currently in P6, and we're starting to think about secondary schools. He's doing well academically, but he has ASD (just diagnosed, so no assistant or anything yet).

The ASD mainly manifests in him lacking social skills, being quite immature, and not asking for help when he needs it. He also gets a bit overwhelmed sometimes and benefits from going for a short walk around school to re-centre himself (and then he's fine).

Due to his academic ability, we feel that a grammar school would be preferable if possible (he's happy to give the transfer test a go), but we don't know much about any of the local grammars (DH and I not from Belfast). I know there are a couple of secondaries that have good reputations, so we plan to see those, but wanted advice on grammars as well. Are there any in and around Belfast that are particularly good/bad for SEN kids? Any we should definitely look at?

Preferably South or East Belfast, though we would consider anything. We're not Catholic (though would consider a Catholic school if they let him in with a Presbyterian baptism certificate!).

OP posts:
Countmeout · 01/01/2024 08:10

Just bumping for you. You might just might get better response on Craicnet.
Has he a statement? If so it will take some of the stress out of the transfer process.

HoHoGo · 01/01/2024 13:00

Thanks. He doesn't have a statement yet, but he's only just been diagnosed, so I think that's the next step. DH has been quite against getting him diagnosed or getting a statement because he thinks the grammar schools will just reject him automatically by saying they "can't meet his needs". I've heard that it can make the transfer process easier, though, but I don't know the details. I have a friend who has a son who's similar - high IQ, but ASD - and he didn't do the transfer test, but got a grammar place. I don't know the details though.

I'll try the Craicnet board as you suggested - thanks!

OP posts:
Countmeout · 01/01/2024 13:05

@HoHoGo could I pm you to discuss this as I don’t want to post identifying details.

HoHoGo · 01/01/2024 13:05

Yes, that would be great, if you don't mind!

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