Small, nurturing school needed in North London

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Hi
Does anyone have a recommendation for a small, nurturing secondary in North London? DS has dyslexia, ADHD and is currently not attending school (possibly EBSNA.) I need a school that delivers GCSEs, but can also support his needs.
I've heard of Orange Tree School but reviews are mixed, so any up-to-date insight or names of alternate schools would be appreciated.
Thank you.

As well as Orange Tree, depending where in N London you are and how DS’s ADHD presents, you could look at Egerton Rothesay. Some from N London travel up. Technically a MS but is an SS in all but technicalities. (Just like Orange Tree was until mid last year before that went through the process to become an SS.) They offer some GCSE and other qualifications but not as wide a range as the majority of your typical MS and it isn’t as academic as a typical MS.

Thank you, this looks interesting but it is a bit far from us, although now on the list. Do you know anything about The Orange Tree School? The threads I read from 2024 talk about the previous headteacher, but I wondered if you (or anyone) has some more up to date information?
Thank you.

I don’t have personal experience. From helping others, I would say more have positive experiences than negative, but it doesn’t suit everyone. I know of someone who thinks the communication could be better. There is a poster on MN with DC there. They may see and comment with a personal experience.

Thanks so much.

Have you looked at St Chris in Letchworth? Bus routes from N London and school has an SRP (Specially Resourced Provision) and is very good with anxious kids. I will pm you.

Thank you I'd not heard of this one. Much appreciated.

Weve just been allocated Orange Tree school by our LA. We would have prefered Holmewood, but we are avoiding tribunal, so are takjng a chance on OTS.St Chris looked great, but the journey time was huge from our house.

In a similar position we were recommended King Alfred’s and Dwight School.

Can anyone advice on The Windmill School in Barnet at all? How many GCSEs can students take there?

I have heard good things about North Bridge House Canonbury.

It is worth pointing out that Orange tree school will not take pupils with any challenging behaviour.

@Aislyn Hi, regarding North Bridge House, just wondering how big are the classes and given how boy-heavy it seems, do girls struggle to find friends? Also, how supportive would the school be for HF ASD girl, no behaviour issues. Any recent experience, please.

I don't have personal experience but I have friends with kids there, who are all girls. They have said no issues with gender balance and really love it. It sounds like the perfect school for the profile you mention

@Aislyn Thank you so much. That is really helpful.