What do you think of this school?

[KOKOagainandagain]

www.summerhillschool.co.uk

Still stressing about where to name when we appeal the statement.

Am I just fantasising escape or could this be realistic? It would be a 40 min journey from where we live now but we could move closer. Would they even offer him a place? Would the LA seriously consider it? It is three times cheaper than the alternative indi ss placement which is a similar distance.

DS2 is not at all challenging at home or when left to his own devices. His behaviour at school is only ever described as challenging because he doesn't follow instructions or abide by usual social rules. He could be ASD/ADHD (being referred to GOSH for 2nd opinion as consultant originally gave a working diagnosis of ASD but he then passed the ADOS) but he is also on the 99th percentile in cognitive assessment so is at least twice exceptional. He has pronunciation delay, fine motor and sensory issues but these are found also in the 'gifted' who may or may not be twice exceptional. But he does not follow adult direction and is underachieving at school. He is disengaged and unmotivated at school. In the last year this has really impacted on his self-esteem and view of self as a learner.

I don't know much that's useful about Summerhill, sorry. It's famous (or notorious, depending on your point of view) for the philosophy of education it represents - and because of this fame, it's hard to get a clear view from the outside.

CBBC did a series on Summerhill a few years back - the first episode is here, might be worth a look - vimeo.com/22205368

Thanks for the link ugger. I'll watch with interest. I desperately want him to survive the next 10 years with his self esteem intact and haven't found anywhere else that I can 'see' him.

I heard somewhere it had a problem with bullying because it was so child led, but I can't remember where I heard that so I can't point to a definite reference. Bullying (child to child) would be my main concern though in that kind of environment, worth asking about how it would be tackled.