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Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

Original poster

Independent Schools on an EHCP in Surrey, Hampshire, and West Sussex area

5 replies

ChristmasElves · 07/12/2025 19:44

I’ve got an autistic DD who seems unlikely to manage mainstream, but I think in the right circumstances (smaller class sizes) she will do well and get a normal number of GCSEs.

I’m looking for year 6 but will wait for year 7 if necessary. Can anyone recommend any independent schools that accept girls with an EHCP?

She’s autistic, has some sensory needs but also her school reports show that she is doing well academically and is a well behaved pupil. Her overwhelmed behaviour comes out at home and never at school.

OP posts:
2x4greenbrick · 07/12/2025 20:33

In West Sussex you could look at Great Ballard. Not as academic as some independent schools, but many find them understanding, nurturing and inclusive, and it is small. Burgess Hill has had girls with EHCPs in the past. I don’t know how many they have at the moment.

In Hampshire, there is Durlston Court. There is also New Forest small school. However, that isn’t a typical school by any stretch and it doesn’t suit all DC/families. Again, not as academic as some.

In Surrey there is Kingswood House but that is probably too far North since you are also looking at W Sussex. Tormead, Notre Dame and Prior’s Field all have a small number of girls with EHCPs but again they might not be doable depending on where you are.

Be aware, even if a placement is named in an EHCP for Y6, it doesn’t guarantee it will be named for secondary. It is still a phase transfer year even in all through schools.

Actually, on rereading I think you meant independent mainstreams, but just checking you didn’t mean independent specialist schools?

Original poster
ChristmasElves · 07/12/2025 21:08

2x4greenbrick · 07/12/2025 20:33

In West Sussex you could look at Great Ballard. Not as academic as some independent schools, but many find them understanding, nurturing and inclusive, and it is small. Burgess Hill has had girls with EHCPs in the past. I don’t know how many they have at the moment.

In Hampshire, there is Durlston Court. There is also New Forest small school. However, that isn’t a typical school by any stretch and it doesn’t suit all DC/families. Again, not as academic as some.

In Surrey there is Kingswood House but that is probably too far North since you are also looking at W Sussex. Tormead, Notre Dame and Prior’s Field all have a small number of girls with EHCPs but again they might not be doable depending on where you are.

Be aware, even if a placement is named in an EHCP for Y6, it doesn’t guarantee it will be named for secondary. It is still a phase transfer year even in all through schools.

Actually, on rereading I think you meant independent mainstreams, but just checking you didn’t mean independent specialist schools?

Thank you and I will look up all of these.

It is mainstream independents that I am looking at and the secondary transfer is another worry that I could do without. I’m not sure whether to just wait and go for year 7 instead.

OP posts:
2x4greenbrick · 07/12/2025 21:14

Many have to appeal for an independent school, so if DD is Y6 now, you may find it is a moot point. Even if DD is Y5 now, if you have to appeal, any hearing will be into Y6.

Original poster
ChristmasElves · 07/12/2025 22:34

She’s in Y5 and I’ve already started the appeal process for B, F & I. It will be in time.

OP posts:
2x4greenbrick · 08/12/2025 16:45

If you already have a live BFI appeal, you might as well continue with I rather than wait for the phase transfer.

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