Private mainstream senior school in South - ASC traits

[Sunnyshores]

Desperately looking for recommendations for a private senior school in the South (starts at 11).

My son has is academically just above average and doesnt really need any 1:1 SpL support, and is according to his teacher OK 95% of the time. But in the other 5%, his social difficulties make him frustrated and angry and then despondent and non-communicative. The main problem though seems to be a complete lack of motivation and he is really bad organising and managing himself.

I thought I needed a school with a good LS department, but actually from looking at many, many schools (and the fab prep he is now at) I think what he needs is excellent pastoral care, understanding and small class size (under 20). It cant be a pressurised environment and needs lots of extra-curricular activities to keep his interest.

Location not so important as we will be moving, but M4 area ideal.

I'd be grateful for any recommendations as I am tearing my hair out looking at prospectus's and reading between the lines.

Or, any thoughts on schools already on my list as ones to research further: Monkton Coombe, Millfield, Rendcombe

Thank-you

Definitely look at Bredon School - mainstream with specialism in SEN (prob 50-60% of kids have some additional needs). Has children with a wide range of mild SEN needs and none, friendly, inclusive school, any problems dealt with very well by school. Has mostly dyslexic, dyspraxic etc but also some aspergers, mild autistic spectrum. Kids accepting of differences. Currently have child there (dyslexic) - very happy with support academically and pastoral.

I'm in Oxford and get the impression the majority of independent options for boys in the general area switch to senior at 13. (alternatives such as Magdalen College school that goes right through from prep; however it doesn't strike me as the school you are looking for lol). It is however not that unusual for boys to go into prep schools at year 7 for a couple of years. Friends of ours have a boy switching into year 6 this term from the state sector; while not SEN in any way, he is emotionally immature and physically small, and the smaller prep school will I think help him enormously, then the choice at 13 should be clearer.

Good luck.

For anyone in similar circumstances, this is my short list for visiting ASAP. I've checked the Good School Guide, website, inspection reports and so far they may fit the bill:
Warminster, Monkton Prep (already visited and remain on the list as possibles)
Sidcot
Leighton Park
Clayesmore Prep
Wycliffe Prep
Rendcomb College

The above Preps, all being well he could go into their seniors. In the end I decided it was too much disruption to find a suitable Prep without adjoining Senior and have to move him & sister to new school or area in 2 years. Continuity is good for us.

Any comments on the above list greatfuly received!!

Hello Sunnyshores, five years after you posted I have discovered your thread as it describes both my DS (year 5) and current school search. If this reaches you, I would love to know how you and your son got on. Thank you.

Hi Aspiemother - 5 years!! Id forgotten quite how much angst there was at that time. DS has just done his mocks and I think (school-wise at least) things are very much improved.

How much is because we found the right school - Sidcot in Somerset - and how much is because he has matured and copes so much better with social situations Im not sure.

In the end the decision was quite easy. Bredon was lovely, but far too small at the time. Millfield wouldnt take him despite a really good taster day they were concerned he "might need more help" (they were a real pain actually and not honest about their abilities) and then Clayesmore didnt have space.

Warminster and Monkton Prep might have worked in hindsight because he is more organised and motivated these days, but the first year would have been a struggle and they may not have supported him while he adjusted. And without the support, he may not have adjusted. They were also very traditional which personally I found a bit stifling.

The others mentioned above, we just didnt feel they were right.

Which schools are you considering?

Wow! From five years to five minutes! This is a speedy thank you for your quick response and I'll send a proper/full reply to you tomorrow. Much appreciated!