Nurturing independent Secondary schools for academic but anxious/probably autistic child

[Westcoastlover]

Hi please can anyone advise of any schools in South of England which are like Swalcliffe Park School but private so you have more of a chance of getting a place? Anywhere in South as would move but not London. Thank you.

A special school being independent doesn’t mean you have more of a chance of getting a place. When a SS is wholly independent and DC has an EHCP it’s actually the opposite.

This is because when a school isn’t wholly independent (not all independent SS are wholly independent, some are section 41 independents) you have a right to request them and there’s only limited circumstances the LA can refuse to name them even if the school objects. Whereas, for wholly independent schools you need an offer of a place from the school and to show the LA(s) proposed schools can’t meet needs &/or it isn’t unreasonable public expenditure.

Have a look at some of NAS schools, Cavendish schools and Aspris schools. Also LVS Oxford and if for a DD Limpsfield Grange. Although some of the above schools may not admit without an ASD diagnosis. In which case you might need to consider more SEMH schools such as West Heath in Kent, Beech Lodge in Windsor and New Forest school in Hampshire.

Thank you for the advice, will look at both types of schools you mention.

Some of Aurora’s schools may be suitable too.

I’m sure there’s more are well, you can search for schools here.

But if you want Swalcliffe park school you can appeal for that if the LA won’t name it.