Private senior schools and SEN kids

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themotherofdragons
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Private senior schools and SEN kids

Postby themotherofdragons » Sat Oct 08, 2016 3:22 pm

We need to choose a senior school for our son who is very bright and does very well academically but has ADHD. We have no behavioural issues with him and he is a very happy, affectionate and well liked boy. However, he is very hyperactive and easily distracted. His current school, an outstanding state primary, has been absolutely amazing with him and he's had so much support and understanding. For example, on bad days when he is particularly distracted, the teacher would simply make him do some work outside the classroom, not in the classroom, and, once the classroom distractions are removed, he does great work. Simple as this. However, I worry how it would be translated into a senior school environment, particularly a private senior school environment. As he performs very well academically and, we hope, will have good SAT results, we've been looking at the likes of Alleyn's, Emanuel, Whitgift, Dulwich College etc. We've been to all the open days so far and, having heard the presentations and headmasters' talks, I have doubts about their tolerance or willingness to accept kids with ADHD or other SEN challenges. I can't put my finger on what it was exactly but I just couldn't imagine them accepting him. Perhaps I'm wrong though and it's simply my fear talking. Has anyone had any experience of having a SEN child in one of these schools? Or having a SEN child applying to one of these schools? What worries me most is not so much the academic test results which are more objective but the interviews and group exercises some of them do as part of their entry process.
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BeeCee
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Re: Private senior schools and SEN kids

Postby BeeCee » Sat Oct 08, 2016 5:26 pm

Hi! I completely understand your concerns but I think, to understand what kind of support each school can offer your son, you should speak openly and honestly with the schools. I know Dulwich College very well -they have an amazing SEN Department and offer places to boys with a range of issues (ADHD, Aspergers, dyslexia, dyspraxia....). What is especially nice 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. Please feel free to PM me if you want any info on our experience with DC.
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themotherofdragons
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Re: Private senior schools and SEN kids

Postby themotherofdragons » Sat Oct 08, 2016 9:43 pm

Thanks BeeCee! We went to Dulwich College this morning! We have some thoughts about it - I will PM you
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mims
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Re: Private senior schools and SEN kids

Postby mims » Mon Oct 17, 2016 7:13 am

Hi we've had experience of this - happy to talk by pm
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themotherofdragons
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Re: Private senior schools and SEN kids

Postby themotherofdragons » Wed Oct 19, 2016 12:09 pm

Thanks Mims. I've sent you a PM but it seems to be stuck in my Outbox... Have you seen it?
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Marystar
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Re: Private senior schools and SEN kids

Postby Marystar » Mon Jan 04, 2021 9:54 am

Hi, I know this thread is years old now, but am in a similar situation and wondered how you and your son got on? Did you find a school he and you were happy with in the end and that was suited to him?
We are also looking at Dulwich as a possibility but very open to other schools.
 
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gkc
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Re: Private senior schools and SEN kids

Postby gkc » Mon Jan 11, 2021 2:46 pm

I would suggest looking at Trinity school in Croydon.  It's 10 minutes by train from Clapham Junction plus a 10 minute bus journey the other end.  There is also a school bus service.  My daughter started in the 6th form there this year having recently been diagnosed with ADHD.  We chose Trinity over some other options in large part because of the great reputation they have for their SEN provision.  Their learning support team is fantastic and well resourced and the school has been very proactive in helping her.  It's a massive improvement on her previous girls only school.  I have also heard good things about Dulwich College, but obviously it wasn't an option for us.  Good luck with your search.
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Sammy1980
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Re: Private senior schools and SEN kids

Postby Sammy1980 » Mon Jan 18, 2021 1:02 pm

Hi,

I do not have children with ADHD, but thought I’d let you know of a school i have heard amazing things about.
Four close mummy friends have sent their children to a school called Bedes in Eastbourne.
It’s private school (I believe eye watering expensive) and they board, so may not be in line with what you need/are looking for. But I have been blown away by the things the school offers. It has incredible staff and are amazing with ADHD kids. The pastoral care offered sounds wonderful and they have received lots of praise from ofsted, good schools guide, Tatler etc..

Might not be suitable but just thought I would mention it as I had never heard of it before.

Good luck
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Sammy1980
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Re: Private senior schools and SEN kids

Postby Sammy1980 » Mon Jan 18, 2021 1:15 pm

I would suggest looking at Trinity school in Croydon. It's 10 minutes by train from Clapham Junction plus a 10 minute bus journey the other end. There is also a school bus service. My daughter started in the 6th form there this year having recently been diagnosed with ADHD. We chose Trinity over some other options in large part because of the great reputation they have for their SEN provision. Their learning support team is fantastic and well resourced and the school has been very proactive in helping her. It's a massive improvement on her previous girls only school. I have also heard good things about Dulwich College, but obviously it wasn't an option for us. Good luck with your search
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Mummom267
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Re: Private senior schools and SEN kids

Postby Mummom267 » Tue Jan 19, 2021 10:06 pm

I went and viewed many local schools and I would recommend the following schools. Kingswood House in Epsom, Halliford in Twickenham and Belmont near Dorking.
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Kkui
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Re: Private senior schools and SEN kids

Postby Kkui » Sun Jun 06, 2021 2:09 pm

I am after similar advise.

I have a daughter whom we have recently realised has SEN needs despite being very academically bright. She is very well behaved but seems to lack self confidence and relationship building skills.

The child psychologist tells us that she needs a small school where there is not too much pressure with great pastoral care. We were looking at Woldingham before we noticed her SEN needs but are now very confused.

Any ideas for a good private school with great SEN provisions in Surrey / Kent / Bromley area?
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