Very small independent school

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Hi. Does anyone have any experience of very small independent schools? A nearby Prep is now going to be going through to 16, and I am wondering whether it might suit DS. Previously would not have considered it...but now thinking there may be more advantages for DS than I had previously recognised. DS does not have a diagnosis but particularly struggles with noisy environments. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Independent schools aren't always supportive of pupils with SEN, so I would ask lots of questions and be wary. Ask exactly what support they can provide and if they will charge you extra. Can you speak to any parents who have DC with additional needs already there?

Thank you - you are not the first person to mention that and it does leave me nervous. He is getting precious little help at his current school though, so I am desperate to make certain that I really have considered all options. I know this would be a trade off, but now thinking I can take the trade off if only he were happier?

Yes and was great but was a v small specialist SEN private school...

Yes - very small mainstream prep with focus on pastoral care (and excellent results as well , but that is more a side effect than their focus). It is amazing! Most state schools are so low on resources they really can’t do much. As long as the prep is on a selective exam mill, it can only get better

DS1 has ASD (normal intelligence and language) and is in a mainstream 1 form entry prep. They have been excellent and incredibly supportive.
Anxious about finding senior school though. Luckily have time as prep goes to yr8.
No idea where you are but if looking at private i suggest look for less selective, non hot house. All schools are different though. We are near oxford and (as examples) have been pointed by lots of people towards kingham hill, d'overbroecks, bloxham, sibford, st edwards, shiplake.