SEMH schools

[Dlfm]

Its looking likely that my 14 year old will be unable to remain in state secondary mainstream. We are in Surrey and would need a school to look after him with ADHD, personality disregulation, ODD, ASD. We only received the EHCP one week ago. From what I can see in Surrey there are 4 choices. Any advice, recommendations etc.

Look at as many schools as you can. Also look at independent, non maintained and out of area SS within travelling distance. You will then have a better idea of what will work and what won't.

Depending on where you are in Surrey, if you want day or residential and if you DS' primary need is SEMH or ASD look at

Cambian group Schools
Priory group Schools
St Dominic's in Surrey - I don't think they take primary diagnosis of SEMH but do admit primary need of ASD.
St Edwards in Hampshire - heard good things.
New forest school in Hampshire
Philpots Manor in West Sussex - heard mixed reviews on this.
Helen Allison School, Kent - heard good things. NAS school.
West Heath, Kent

I have a younger DS with SEMH and have looked all over England at SEMH provision. Sadly I haven't found something suitable yet, I hope you do.

Make sure the provision in the Section F is specific and quantified.

Thank you so much x

Stepping stones in hindhead.

Would Moor House school near farnham be any good? I know they take boys with ASD and other problems that can't be dealt with in mainstream.

Surrey's website actually has a lot more detail than hampshire about SEN places, independent, specialist and section 41 schools. I've heard that surret seem to be more helpful that Hampshire.

You may have to take a closer look at his EHCP, has his current school said they are struggling with him and his needs?

It's unlikely Moor House would take a pupil with a primary need of SEMH.

It's also unlikely an enhanced/additional resource provision/base/unit would admit a pupil with a primary SEMH need, unless the ARP is a SEMH base, which are few and far between at secondary. Although Kingston do have one - Richard Challoner, which may be worth a look if you and near enough and your DS may cope in that environment. Even an ASD base would be unlikely to admit a pupil with ASD if their primary need is SEMH.

Beckmead School is in Croydon and is SEMH provision, if your LA can cough up for an out of county place.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for school options in West Sussex for my 13-year-old daughter. She has an EHCP and significant SEMH needs, and we’re currently waiting on her autism assessment.

We live near Burgess Hill but are open to schools within reasonable travel distance. If anyone has experience with mainstream schools with strong SEN support, specialist SEMH provisions, or resourced units/ASC bases in the area, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Any tips on EHCP reviews, admissions, or navigating local authority support would also be really helpful. Even small insights or personal experiences would be hugely appreciated – it’s all a bit overwhelming!

Thanks so much 😊

You would be better starting your own thread.

You have given very little information (e.g. academic level, if DD displays VCB, whether her SEMH needs are actually secondary to communication and interaction needs…) so none of these may be suitable but you could look at Farney Close, Hambrook and Philpots Manor. If DD gets an ASD diagnosis and her SEMH needs are secondary to ASD, you could look at LVS if she doesn’t display high levels of VCB. You would be best starting by thinking about what type of setting and provision DD needs.