**Help!** ADHD SON LOOKING FOR SCHOOL Post Reply

[Moo moo 2]

Hello,

Do you have son (or daughter) who has ADHD and are now looking for a suitable secondary school to meet your child’s needs?

Our son has been in the private sector since nursery- attending a well established and wonderfully supportive Pre-Prep & Prep school. He’s flourished during his time at school - becoming a well rounded, academically sound and lovely boy (I’m his Mother, so I’m slightly biased!) However we’re now in Prep 4 (9yrs) and face the overwhelming (and near impossible) challenge of finding his next school.

We’ve been informed (informally) that quite a few of London’s private secondary schools are reluctant to accept children with ADHD - which has lead me to expanded my search to the south-west of England, including boarding schools (single or co-ed).

I recently visited one boarding school in the SW as their website was very pro ADHD, however the reality couldn’t of been further from the truth when we chatted to staff and students. It would appear the schools marketing material is not necessarily reflective of it’s true offering to children with ADHD.

If you have any experience/ knowledge (good or bad) of finding a suitable private secondary school for your ADHD son/ daughter - I’d be so grateful if you would share it with me, as I’m becoming increasingly worried we’re not going to find the right school for my son.

Many thanks in advance,

[danijeanne]

I don't have first hand experience but have heard very good things about More House in Farnham and Box Hil school.

Thank
Danielle

[Moo moo 2]

Thank you so much for your reply.

Moo moo2

[BeeCee]

Hi moo moo 2, I understand your concerns but in order to get a feel for the kind of support the local private secondary schools can offer, I would visit and speak to the schools rather than rely on what you have been told informally. I don't have any experience of a child with ADHD but with 4 children in the family, with very different personalities, I do have quite a bit of experience of the local private secondary schools as well as boarding school. Our youngest is at Dulwich College and they have amazing (full time) SEN support and they offer places to bright boys with a range of issues (ADHD, Aspergers, dyslexia, dyspraxia.....). My son had a boy with ADHD in his form and he currently participates in a sport, at a high level, with a boy who has Aspergers- it's no big deal to my son and it seems that the boys accept each other as they are. I've recommended Dulwich on other similar posts because what is really great about DC is that they don't want "cookie cutter" boys, but treat each boy individually and seem to bring out the best in each boy. I would also have a look at Emanuel as I have heard similar positive things about the support given at that school and I know that it is an incredibly welcoming and friendly school. Good luck with your search!

[nuttymummy]

Might be slightly further west than you'd like but Bredon has a good reputation and a friend's son with a similar diagnosis is thriving there....it's near Tewkesbury which is not far from Cheltenham.

[Moo moo 2]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply - really appreciate it!
Moo moo2

[charitymum27]

My 12 yr old son was diagnosed with ADHD at the beginning of the year and we had to think long and hard about where he should go next to school (he is currently at an independent prep school where he can stay until 13). We ended up ruling out local day schools such as Dulwich, Whitgift and Emanuel, partly because he struggles with organisation and he felt he would be lost at such large schools. He has a place for next year at Bedales, which is a co-ed boarding school near Petersfield and absolutely loves the idea of going there, as it is small and takes a really holistic approach to education. They were aware throughout the application process of his diagnosis and have embraced him for who he is. Bede's, near Eastbourne, is another good boarding option, as they are non selective and have a very strong SEN department. We also considered Frensham Heights, near Farnham as we liked the ethos and the fact that it is weekly boarding but it is small and they weren't as positive about being able to offer him the support he needs. ADHD, does not however, define a child's personality and abilities so you need to visit and talk to schools to see what would be the best fit for your son.

[Moo moo 2]

Thanks so much for your comments - they are really insightful and helpful. So reassuring to know there are schools out there that embrace our children with ADHD.

[SWmummyof2]

Thank you so much for you helpful posts. Do you mind me asking what school have you chosen for your son? I would really appreciate your response. Many thanks in advance

[PH123]

Hi,
I highly recommend looking at Kingswood house House Epsom or Belmont School, Dorking in Surrey if his ADHD is mild and he needs a little learning support. If not I would look at Moore House in Farnham.

If staying nearer to London then look at Ewell Castle, Box Hill or Thames Christian College.

I’ve also heard that Seaford College is meant to have good SEN.

Thank Pippa