Rishworth School special needs

[cph76]

Does anyone have any info regarding Rishworth Halifax in respect to special educational needs. I am considering sending my 9yr old there who has an ASD- aspergers. I would like any information at all to help me make my decsion, could be an expensive mistake. Many thanks

Are you referring to Highbury school? This a special school, or just any of the schools there?

I have a friend whose child attends Highbury, by all accounts it is great. Think many of the children have very severe needs though, many are mentally and physically disabled. If your child has quite high functioning asd then it might not be suitable. I don't really know for sure though so it would be best to visit them, or speak to them.

Two of my children went to Rishworth at 11 on scholarships (both at Uni now). They didnt have SEN but had friends who did. In my experience, teachers were very supportive, the headmaster is fantastic and because it isnt too big the teachers know every child. They didnt go to Heathfield though. I would make an appointment and go talk to the headmaster if you are considering it. During revision periods for exams my DDS got one to one support.

The school's ethos is not based solely on results but on the acheivements of each child - the children get a very good all-round education and come out as confident young adults. We were very happy.

thanks for this, it is exactly what I want to hear. I have spoken to the head on an open day, but being a tad sceptical, was aware of the bums om seats need for private schools and so needed another source of information. Equally I know that if you are paying a fortune to send your child to school, you have more whack so to speak if things need to be sorted. Thanks for your comment, much appreciated.

I was referring to Rishworth private school in Rishworth itself, thanks for reply

Oh, sorry- don't know anythng about it to be honest, although if my dd doesn't make Crossleys or North Halifax grammar school then it will be a consideration for us too. She's only 5 at the moment though so a long way off.

DD2 was offered the Ridings, Halifax High and Todmorden when she didnt get into North Halifax - not much of a choice. But despite being a grammar school reject she has gone to a very good university after getting AAA* at A level and is already averaging a first - she just wasnt ready for the 11+ and got better grades at GCSE and A level than any of her friends who went to the grammars. There are so many children from outside Halifax take the exam that its so difficult to predict.

Very glad we sent her to Rishworth with DD1 (who did get a place at North Halifax but also got a scholarship at Rishworth). In my experience they really do care about each child - but I know its not cheap. We just didnt have holidays or new cars and other stuff for years.