Nurturing secondary school options SW London and Surrey?

[TinkerbellCJ]

Hi all,
Hoping some of you clever and experienced mums out there can give me some advice re secondary schools for my son. He has ADD (attention deficit disorder) but is not hyperactive and has absolutely no behaviour issues. He is, however, youngish for his age and a bit ‘away with the fairies’ at times. His current primary is really supportive and he’s happy and doing fine socially and academically (mostly meeting age related expectations and exceeding in maths). I had assumed he’d attend our local, outstanding secondary school but they are currently proposing to change their admissions policy and, if it goes through, this will mean he wouldn’t get in (despite it being by far the nearest secondary to us and walkable 😭) . So I wondered if anyone had any ideas of a secondary school, which they have experience of that would be good for him - ideally a nurturing environment and not hugely pushy academically (he wouldn’t pass an exam to get in for example). He’s a really lovely, kind and friendly child - a bit like a Labrador in human form - and I’m terrified about sending him somewhere that will crush him. He has had a few issues with anxiety and low self esteem already and, although we and the school have worked on this and he’s in a good place, I’m extra worried about his mental health moving into teenage years etc. We would consider moving house and private schools so please suggest away.
Thanks so much xx

For private schools, look at Hall School, Kingswood House and Ewell Castle (all mixed). For secondary state I would consider Glynn (boys) and perhaps Wimbledon College - but you’ll find you have to live on the doorstep to get in.

Halliford would be an excellent choice. He would have to pass an entrance test but don't rule it out on that basis as they do have a range of student abilities.

It is academically pushy in the sense that they would push him to do his best (but you will want that anyway as he gets older). They are very good at being encouraging and supportive and have good behaviour without being authoritarian.

Have a look at The Cedars School, Upper Norwood. Your son sounds like he would fit in well there. They are moving to co-ed in September 2025.

London Park School
i was speaking to a mom who's eldest was there last year and will have another joining this year. very supportive according to her. nice location.

Very sweet post. I loved reading it.

Teddington School?

Hi there

Your situation sounds like mine, have you found a school?

Thanks

If independent is an option, Halliford is a really worth a look. It is selective, but the head interviews all candidates first, with the exams coming at the end of the process. Of course, they need to do the exams, but get the impression I got was that the "fit" is the most important thing, and that the interview holds a lot more weight than it would do at super-selective schools (where you wouldn't even be interviewed unless you scored above a given mark in the exams). I've heard nothing but good things about the place, both from current and former parents, who say that it nurtures the child to be the best that they can be.

Worth looking at The Hall School in Wimbledon.

@TinkerbellCJ if you're prepared to move house, why not move close to home, into the catchment of the school that is changing its policy? Then your son can keep his existing friends.

I'm assuming budget isn't a big factor if you're considering the leap to private education. However, if I'm wrong then its worth saying what your house price budget is and what you're expecting to get for it, as that will influence your options.