I'm looking for potential secondary schools for my son to expand the current list. Criteria are quite specific:
Berks/Bucks/Surrey/West London/Oxon;
He's in year 6 so I've left it too late for some registrations;
Year 9 entry, ideally with no assessment or assessment in year 7/8 to give him more time to get the hang of testing and take the pressure off but initial tests in year 6 would be ok;
Day or Flexi boarding;
Boys or mixed;
SEN friendly as he's autistic;
Under £9k a term.
He is not at all sporty. He's clever, top set for most things but doesn't cope too well with tests, and maths hasn't clicked with him yet. He is outgoing. He likes reading, singing, acting, debating, and would really enjoy CCF. A school that's able to handle a boy with a spiky academic profile and one who's likely to come into his own as a teen would be ideal. Somewhere he'd be happy.
He's currently registered at one ISEB school and I'm going to register soon with two that have their own tests. There's also a decent comprehensive nearby in case none of that works out.
I'd love some new ideas to explore.
Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.
Help me to find school options for my yr6 son - moon on a stick time
RaisedOnADietofBrokenBiscuitsOh · 18/09/2023 20:43
letmesailletmesail · 19/09/2023 06:02
Is £9k your fee cap for day fees or for flexi boarding too? What budget have you got for potential fee increases (including if VAT becomes payable on school fees)? Are you actually looking for somewhere which charges more like £7.5 - £8k a term at the moment?
Are you looking for somewhere with a cohort joining in Year 9 or would somewhere with occasional places do?
Do you mean all of Bucks, Oxon etc or just the places within easy reach of the M25 or fast train into London?
Nanamuffin · 18/09/2023 20:46
I think Ewell Castle school has 11+ entry but they take a wide range of abilities.
Its in KT17 and open day is this week.
cyclamenqueen · 19/09/2023 05:41
I was going to say Shiplake , or Kingham Hill
TeaandHobnobs · 05/11/2023 08:53
Luckley would be my first thought.
A slightly out-there suggestion, but what about a boarding place at RGS High Wycombe (state grammar)? Ok they don’t have a Y9 “intake” but I’m fairly sure the boarding house isn’t full in all years.
Singing / CCF / reading all big things there. They are big on rugby but don’t expect every boy to be into sport (my DS will play in games lessons but no more than that, and that’s fine - he’s more into music).
Supportive SEN department, and staff all warm and approachable.
sashh · 05/11/2023 07:12
OK this is a completely 'out there' suggestion but what about the Brit school?
https://www.brit.croydon.sch.uk/page/?title=Core+Curriculum&pid=1034
THey do a range of GCSEs alongside the performing arts.
You might not be in catchment but £9K could pay for a lot of taxis.
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