ADHD child admission to private schools

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Does anyone have any experience with getting their DC into a school when diagnosed with adhd? I'm trying to work out if they accept kids with learning disabilities at all?
I'm moving from the US where it's pretty common, but UK private schools seem surprised that I'm even applying! My son needs scaffolding but doesn't have behavioral problems and isn't on medication (he's 8). Would a state school be better? I know this is a huge topic and difficult to answer!

Are you hoping to apply to a prep school (private, usually up to 13, yr8)?

If private, would you prefer a ‘through’ school - so prep into the senior section (13-18yrs)?

Where in the UK are you moving to?

DS is at an indie (private). He has dyslexia and hfASD. The indie admissions pathway for kids with SEND is brutal and in some cases discriminatory. If you can consider an out of London/commuter belt school, it will make it easier.
Admissions will focus on the academic ability v amount of support needed. I believe the further up the academic ladder your child is, the more inclined (some schools) are to overlook support needs. The problem with this approach is without support, these kids will crash and burn; and without support these kids will not show how good they really can be (academically).

There are specialist mainstream prep schools (Bruern Abbey) but places are very sought after.

Look at the Crested website - they offer a list of ‘gold standard’ mainstream and more specialist SEND teaching schools.

Last thing - it is not unusual for the school to require re-testing from a UK clinician ie they don’t accept the diagnosis. The school however does not always have access to a qualified clinician.
You would need a reassessment for teaching adaptations and access to exam accommodations and I would include school admission tests in the exam category.

Amazing info! Thank you! There is only 1 prep and one 'through' school that would be suitable for him we are in south east London. We will apply to state school too it's just such a lottery even though our house is in an amazing catchment area all school are full. I'm sure something will come up. He does need support just have no idea how much he really needs. I think he definitely needs to get re assessed. Thanks again for taking the time to reply

PM me if you need any help / info in the future (inc clinician recommendations). I don’t always check old posts. You can always let me know you’ve posted on the thread - there are lots of very knowledgable people around these boards.

Just make sure that whatever accommodations/ modifications your DS is currently receiving at school (esp for tests / exams) that this is continued to the admission tests.

The admission tests are a grey area and tend to be treated as a ‘non-exam’ by schools. Challenge this. If your DS has a recognised diagnosed condition by a qualified clinician, then he is covered by the Equalities Act 2010.