Secondary Options for KS4?

[chinbrook]

Hi everyone,

Are there schools besides The Brit School that START in Year 10?

Daughter, AuDHD, currently at an 'outstanding' school in South London, but the social exclusion is awful. It is crippling her as she is desperate for friends but there don't seem to be any other ND's in her class. She keeps getting bullied, rejected, kicked off Whatsapps by the same girls over and over, right after being added, told she is not a part of DoE 'groups' that she was initially told she would be. The worst bully in the class - targetting more kids than just my daughter - was changed to another class after Year 8, but her best friend has taken up the cause, alienating her in 'revenge' at every turn.

The drama teacher who is lovely, has actually recommended we apply to The Brit School. My daughter is a performer - lead in school play, can sing - but that is not what she says she wants as a career, so I think that if she was successful at getting in, persuing the backstage / business / writing side of things would be less brutal emotionally. So we are currently considering that.

However, I am wondering, are there other options?
Other schools that start at Year 10, where she has perhaps a chance of more other ND children being around, and less likely to be unable to make friends because all the friendships are already formed. Maybe they are making change for the same reasons?

We never wanted to change, (I was moved around myself), we wanted her to stick with it to work through the relationships, but it seems this class might be a bit more toxic than the norm, and the dye seems to have been cast. She is beginning to cut again and her heart is getting broken constantly, as are ours.

I see Boys schools but no options for girls, wondered if any one knew something I don't. Applying for an EHCP, but getting all the evidence is slow going and costly so that is taking time.

You can search for Studio Schools and UTCs here. For example, De Salis Studio College in Hillingdon and Mulberry UTC in Tower Hamlets.

Some colleges (state and independent) admit from 13 or 14. They won’t all be within travelling distance but to give you examples of what I mean look at New City College, West Thames College, Croydon met, DLD college, Wentworth College, Fine Arts College, Ealing Independent College. For some of the ones who admit in Y9, starting in Y10 wouldn’t matter so much because lots still start then/it isn’t like school.

You don’t need to spend money gathering evidence before submitting an EHCNA request.

Thanks so much, I will look into them.I really appreciate the guidance. Re. EHCP's this will actually be the third for the family (all AuDHD). One twin son is already in a special school and the other needs some SEHM support in Grammar school. Unfortunately, our borough has huge waitlist for resource and just refuses assessment unless you have evidence, so we have to gather it ourselves and then file, then they will likely still deny but you have grounds for appeal. It is a nightmare really.

You really don’t have to gather all the evidence before submitting an EHCNA request, whatever the LA. Especially if you think you will have to appeal anyway. You can make the request now. You will still be able to appeal if refused.

Despite being told that we can apply without proof as our initial instruction - that that has not been our experience. I wish it was the case for Lewisham. As I mentioned, one son in Special School was only managed because we went into our own assessments as soon as we applied. Having them was what reopened the door. With my second twin son, even once we won our appeal for assessment and separately got his ASD assessment and sent it through, the Paediatrician didn't read it and subsequently didn't recommend support. We have had to use our own evidence to pry the cases back open every time. My heart breaks for the parents in the borough who have not had the ability to do the same. So while you are correct, you shouldn't have to get the documentation, automatic denial without it is happening every time here.

You absolutely can request a EHCNA without seeking independent assessments first. Despite what many LAs believe, the law applies equally to all LAs and parents can appeal whatever LA they live in. Yyes, you might have to appeal, many do regardless of what evidence they submit, but you said they will ‘likely still deny’ and you would have to appeal, anyway.

And if you seek assessments now before submitting an EHCNA request then need to appeal further down the line, in some cases, the evidence may well be considered out of date by the time you got to a hearing so you would then have the added expense of updated assessments or asking the professional if they will add an addendum.

Thank you for the school advice.
i understand your point of view. You have made it very clear. Happy holidays.