Applying to Private School: Special Needs Child

Author: Wendy Sloane

Applying to private school can be difficult, but if your child has special educational needs the hunt for the right school can be even trickier.

As a parent, you may want a mainstream school that will take into account your child's own needs or disabilities, or you may want a school that is specifically designed to meet the challenges of special needs kids.

A lot will depend, of course, not only on your budget but also where you live, and how far you are willing to commute every day to get your child into the school you believe will be the best one for them.

Mainstream Schools

Many independent schools accept children with a statement of SEN, or special educational needs, if they believe a mainstream setting is the appropriate place for them (as legislated in the Education Act 1966). Some, however, make it clear from the beginning that they would "prefer" that a special needs child go elsewhere.

It depends, of course, on the type of special needs that your child has – and the type of school you are looking for. A highly academic school, for example, that puts a great emphasis on keeping their exam scores high, may not freely welcome a child with dyslexia who they believe will "bring down" their academic standing. If your child has a very high IQ, however, and is bored in a state school, then this may not be the case.

Schools with a greater emphasis on overall personal development, however, may encourage children of all abilities to apply, and some academic schools may have special dyslexia units to offer support – Eton does – that sometimes come with an extra charge.

Many children with dyslexia, dyspraxia, mild autism and ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, do extremely well in mainstream schools. You are well advised to visit the school beforehand to discover what provision they can offer your child, and to speak with other parents of children with similar special needs to see how they fare in the same setting.

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Special Needs Schools

Some of the best independent schools in the country cater to children with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia, or math disability. For some parents, this is a better choice than sending their special needs child to a mainstream school, especially if their needs or disabilities are more challenging than others.

Specialist schools cater to children with a variety of disabilities, including visual, physical, hearing or learning difficulties, autism, and behavioural and social problems.

When choosing a specialist school, it's important to look around carefully, and make sure it's the best one for your child. In some cases, parents choose a boarding school, where their needs can be met full-time.

Keep in mind that it may be possible to get financial help from your local council to cover at least part of the cost of a private education for your child, if the state school cannot meet his or her needs. Bursaries are also often available from the school itself. Some charities can also help advise on funding.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

The Right Decision for Your Child

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most difficult decisions you will make as a parent, especially if your child has special educational needs. Some parents believe that attending a state school will give a child with SEN the support they need; others feel that a private education is better for their child.

If you choose to go down the private route, look at your child's strengths and weaknesses, and see how the school will address them. Visit the school, talk to parents in a similar situation, and try to discover how the school deals with kids who perform either above or below average.

Children with special needs often flourish in a private school, where the class size is smaller and they can benefit from more one-on-one attention. Look for a school with an open admissions policy, and talk in depth to other parents who have sent their children there. With a little research and leg-work, you can find the right school for your child.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our School Application Strategist lets you tell us your circumstances and we will map out a realistic school application strategy that maximises your chance of getting your preferred school. Try it now →

79 questions

Ask Get the Right School a Question

GetTheRightSchool Editor 21/05/2026 at 9:17 am

@Rosy Sorry to hear you're struggling. For a child with learning needs, your first step should be asking the school to start an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) assessment through your local council. If he qualifies, the council must fund a suitable school, and in some cases that can include a specialist independent school at no cost to you. Some private schools also offer bursaries, so it's worth ringing a few directly and asking about means-tested help.

Rosy 25/12/2023 at 5:55 pm

Hello,
My son is 8 years old. He is going to praimary school in year 3. Speech therapist said, He have learning disability. I want to give him good private school. Then I think he will learn more and in future he can do something. But I have money problem. Can he get any support from school or government?
If you know please let me know, I am suffering too much.

aj 15/06/2023 at 12:13 pm

Hello
do you know is private schools can claim money for a child whos current school gets PFA 2 units for my child I am looking to ofset against fees. They have gained a place in a full time theatre school and fees are high but it is a perfect fit for them being a great performer but not great at academic subjects. Or if anyone knows if there is anything I could claim to help with fees would greatly appreciate any help.Thank you

conie 19/03/2023 at 9:13 pm

Hi. I have a son (4 in May) with signs of autism. waiting on his assessment this month. He will be in reception this coming September and I am looking for a private school that can cater his needs. I need suggestions please.

dede 16/09/2021 at 6:08 pm

any where in london, any help that will great. thanks

dede 16/09/2021 at 6:01 pm

hello everyone desperate for a private school special for speech language

Baby 30/07/2021 at 12:25 am

Hi l have a 7yr old nephew in law who needs support with specialist schooling as he use an electric chair and would like to sponsor him with his schooling. Kindly advice on how to go about it and fee structure.
Thanks
Maria

Aji 19/07/2021 at 8:05 pm

My son 12 years in a school worth social behaviour. I think he has ADHD but they missed diagnosed he has ASD when he was 8 years old . I am looking for private or local school in London

Aji 19/07/2021 at 7:41 pm

My son 12 years in a school worth social behaviour. I think he has ADHD but they missed diagnosed he has ASD when he was 8 years old. He is going to Main Street school this school is not good it’s make him behaviour has gone worse . His EHCP was expired 2 years before because we lived in India last 2 years. Now we are waiting for EHCP . Which school ( private or local) is suitable for him in London

Tarma 24/05/2021 at 2:27 pm

Hi all

We are currently in the process of looking at schools for our 11 yr old daughter. She is currently in yr 6 and is in mainstream school. However, we are having problems finding a suitable secondary school for her.

She has Cerebral palsy and has mobility issues, walking somewhat but unable to stop on her own! Mentally she is and bright. She really wants to board (or flexi) as he older sister does and start to be more independent.

If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them, it's a tough time....

Bonny 13/12/2020 at 9:05 am

Hi,
I have 11 year old boy diagnosed ASD- who is currently in Yr6 in a mainstream school with 1:1 support and a Statement. Most of the mainstream public schools are huge with 1200-1600 pupils. We would like to get him into a private mainstream secondary school where the classes are smaller but it is proving difficult as the private schools object to have someone with a Statement. Please let me know if you know of any private mainstream secondary schools in UK that are flexible in accepting ASD pupils. Thanks.

B 22/09/2020 at 9:56 pm

Hi got at girls with autism wat school is good for her

Donna 12/03/2020 at 4:54 pm

Hello I'm thinking about putting my nearly 14 year old boy either in a boarding school, or private school, he's in a mainstream school and gets by but seems to have a out look on teachers, he has sensory processing disorder and mild autism, he has been hard very controlling growing up but now at home he's abusive? I'm trying to find the right place to have my boy grow up a respectable young man with a bright future, any suggestions would help me think more and decide too.

Donna 23/09/2019 at 8:29 pm

I have a 13 year old who has mild intellectual difficulty, SLD, ADD and is immature for his age. I want a right school for him where he is challenged academically (with the right support), yet is in a safe environment (no bullies). He is currently in a mainstream school - but pulled out to be in a small group for most academic subjects. I am moving back to the UK and want to know what would be the best scenario for him? Inclusion, special school? I have visited a few special schools over the years in UK but wanted something stronger academically for my son, yet want him to be comfortable as he is entering a new system etc.,
Any advice?

TR 07/07/2019 at 7:08 pm

Hello

I am trying to find a school for my disabled son. He is 2 now with significant lower limb paralysis due to a congenital birth defect of the spine which he was born with. He also has clubbed feet. He also uses a wheelchair and wears braces at home plus he has a pair of special shoes. He is incredibly smart howewer.
My daughter has dwarfism and is currently trached. We live in Surrey. Does anyone know of any good special needs schools? She also needs to be challenged. Thanks. Any recommendations will be appreciated.
How do I find a school for both of them to attend? I want them to do well and achieve. Neither of them have learning disabilities.

Mark 29/06/2019 at 9:49 am

Hi all,

I am from the UK and currently living in Australia. We have an 11 year old son with autism and are looking for private special needs schools. We are willing to base where we move back to as the right school will be so important.

I have really struggled to find private schools that only have special needs children.

Any help would be greatly appreciated to point me in the right direction.

Kind regards,

Noor 19/03/2019 at 6:56 pm

Hi my son is 3 and 9 months old he is good in maths and shapes. But he cant communicate. Anyone tell me whether the main stream school is good or special schools

Vee 25/05/2018 at 6:07 pm

My son is 14 and in a school woth social behaviour. He has AdHD and his behaviour has gone worse. What international schools are good in Jamaica

Caroty 22/05/2018 at 12:17 pm

Hi
Mi son is 3 he will going to reception on September 2018 he is diagnosed with autism but I would like to know which is the best option to him, actualliy he reads and is very interesting in the alphabet and phonics, his school offered us to left him 1 year more in nursery if I want but I dont the best option to him.
I read that is possible put them in a private school, how can I apply?
Many thanks to your help.

Jasm 24/04/2018 at 4:18 pm

Hi my daughter has leaning difficulties she going to a special school The school is not good for her Going She’s changed so much

Muffin 10/12/2017 at 11:56 pm

Hi, I am UK expat currently living in New York. I am looking to move back to the UK in 2018, specifically to educate my 10 year old son who has a learning disability. We left the UK with a diagnosis of Dyslexia but further tests in the US have proved he was mis-diagnosed. The tests so far show he has weak executive functioning skills and hyper sensitivities. If anyone can recommend a day/boarding school in the UK I'd appreciate it. I'm currently looking at London, Greater London but eat this point I just want to get him the most appropriate school.

Bunny 16/11/2017 at 10:55 am

Hi I’m looking for a secondary school for my daughter, she is currently in year 5, she has speech & language issues (speech dispraxia) and delayed learning skills (GLobal Development Delay) she is a very good girl, well behaved, she tries really hard at everything. We are looking for schools in the Southend area, stuggling to find a suitable one, any suggestions pls

Bas 17/10/2017 at 9:14 am

Hi, My 12 years old niece is diagnosed as Global developmental delay, she is a lovely girl want to learn but i cant find good school for her, we are from Saudi Arabia, unfortunately we struggled with school there and i think i am having same bad experience in UK. I am in Manchester and trying to find a school for her, she is slow and cant write or read by herself she need help. anyone can help will be appreciated...

Deb 27/09/2017 at 1:08 pm

Hi I’m looking for a secondary school for my boy he has speech & language issues (speech dispraxia) and delayed learning skills, he such a good, well behaved, very sorry, confident little boy who tries his best at everything. We are looking for schools in the Northamptonshire area, private or not but are stuggling to find a suitable one, any suggestions pls

GetTheRightSchool Editor 08/09/2017 at 11:55 am

You can see more via the Special Needs UK site here which should be able to help.

Anju 07/09/2017 at 11:13 am

Hello, we are keen to move my son back to the UK to study his 6th form and thereafter. We are UK citizens and a UK status family living in HK for my work. My son would like to relocate back. He is a SEN student with social communication disorder (previously known as mild autism level 5 as it is now). He has been in LSC/SEN since primary 2. He is now in year 11 within a modified curriculum taking his igcse in biology and geography and functional maths and English. he has completed azdan, food and hygene and peers. We are local status UK residents and our home is there on which we pay our bills as well as council tax. please could you let me know how to find the right school for him as he will be leaving his current school in HK in June 2018 after he completes his exams. he will need to start in the UK in September 2018 in a school that is specialised to others similar to him. I would not want to send him to a mainstream school due to the stigma and judgement he has gone through in HK. thanks. Anju

GUDDU 25/06/2017 at 7:46 pm

Hi I have a 15 year old ADHD boy with mild Autism.We are in Mumbai right now where he goes to a centre for Autistic Individuals,they follow RDI programs where parents are trained to handle the kids.Everything is ok but I want him to go ahead in Academics as well.

Also I am joining my masters degree course in New York this Fall 2017,he is coming along with me.Want the right curriculum,right learning environment and a right Mentor for him.He is very bright in Music,Arts,Sports and Drama.Want him to be very very happy where we will move and his holistic growth must happen.
Please guide me the right people and the right place to approach.We will be at Hempstead near Hofsra University in New York.

Vix 07/06/2017 at 11:02 pm

I teach a delightful 7 year old moderately autistic boy in an inclusive international school in Norway. The family have suddenly been told they are relocating to London. Can anyone suggest potential schools with support services? The parents have finances I believe to support him in private schooling if necessary.

suluco 12/05/2017 at 8:11 pm

I am sorry if this sounds like I am a bit stressed out but I can not get a straight answer and I honestly have no options to turn to. My son is due to start mainstream school in September that was named on an EHCP by a panel that did not know about and I can not appeal (no one will even speak to me). I am exhausted with two sen children so right now I will take all the help i can get. I am trying to find schools that are ASD appropriate but its allways the same. No interview until the local authority say yes and they wont do that as my LA wont fund anything with out a fight (as in getting a lawyer that I can not afford). Does anyone know how I can break this cycle and if there are any ways that I can get help that dont include a 6 week wait for SENDIAS and spending 10 grand on an education fight program.

maiautism 24/04/2017 at 5:34 pm

hi
i have a 16 years old son with autism, i would like to enrol him in a boarding school in uk, please advice me with the best special need school for autism in uk who accommodate my son , we are overseas family who dont have enough support in my country and i would like to find the best in uk. thanks

SV62 26/03/2017 at 4:25 pm

Hi I have a 10-year-old who is born with downs syndrome also attend mainstream school in Gloucester. I am looking for a mainstream school with small classes that will meet the needs any ideas which school would be best to view in Gloucestershire.
so far I have looked at some of the larger schools and feel they are too large any ideas?

Subo 14/03/2017 at 7:46 pm

Marta,

I'm not sure where you live, however there is an amazing school in Staffordshire called anbotsholme. A real game changer if a school, very outdoors and what seem small classes and excellent teaching staff. Great provisions for dyslexia. I was in the same position last year and it's now my choice of school.

Joy 26/02/2017 at 10:05 am

Hi, I have a14 year old with cerebral palsy but bright academically who has been home schooled all along but want him to go to school this September . Is there a special secondary for cerebral palsy that he can attend in London as I think such a school will have all the equipments of training to help his mobility and independence. I was initially thinking of him joining mainstream. Thank you

marta 24/02/2017 at 4:22 pm

Hello to everyone
i have a 10 years lovely girl has been diagnosed with dyslexia.
I have to apply this year for a secondary schools and icompletely confuse because i don't know which school i have to look. I will like to apply for dyslexia private school but there so expensive and for normal school the SENCO help it is not sufficient as the government cut money to the school and they can't help the kids as they need.
if anyone can help.
thank you very much i will be appreciated
marta 24-02-17

Kez 21/01/2017 at 8:23 am

My 7 year old son has recently been diagnosed with ADHD, he attended a mainstream school, and was doing well up until September 2016 where the big transition from moving term and different teachers was put in place, then things turned for the worst. even though he has a ehcp in place it was not put into practice and my son was not given the care and support he needed. This became a big problem for both of us. he was getting excluded frequently and is now permanently excluded without a school. My son is a very bright boy he catches on quickly but gets bored easily. I'm now been pushed to place my son in a Sen school but I strongly believe that is not the right setting for him. I believe the mainstream schools just cannot be bothered and would rather get rid of children with any special education needs. The school my son attended did nothing for him and made our life's a living hell. Now trying to get my son back into a mainstream is almost impossible due to bad reports given by his previous school. I am considering quitting my job and home tutoring.

NZ 20/12/2016 at 7:00 pm

Hi. My 6yr old daughter has mild CP in her lower half which means she finds most physical activity a challenge. She is, otherwise, a happy, confident girl who is performing well at school. We would like to move her at the beginning of yr 3 to a private prep school (smaller classes
etc) but are worried we may be putting her in a position that highlights her disability (as with most independents they offer a full sporting calendar) even though they offer arts and music also. Anyone else faced this conundrum - any POV's welcome x

Misty 06/12/2016 at 3:32 pm

Hi all, i have an 11 year old son . He has never really settled in school and himself and all teachers are finding it extremely difficult at present.
The teachers say he struggles to follow instructions, complete work, asks lots of questions as well as questioning everything and they find him very disrespectful. I ateend meetings throught the school weeks due to his behaviour.
I know my sons not perfect but the things school have put in place have not been very affective and they can fail to be consistant with him soo in my sons case and schools case i feel they are both wrong.
He has been restraint , put in isolation, internally and externally exculded a number of times and things are getting worse.
My son dislikes school and teachers and doesnt trust anybody there. He feels he is mistreated as he has been called names by teachers , teachers have also lied which he picks up on and brings to their attention and is told of for things which have included him and another person but the other person doesnt get any punishment when he tries to explain himself they dont listen and say his being rude.
Personally i dont think mainstream school is appropriate for my son since day 1 and dont know where to turn next. I have enough of discussing things with the school as we get nowhere and end up in the same situation within a day.
Can some one give me some help of what to do next... this is just a short version but there is soo much more.

Dondon 28/11/2016 at 8:12 pm

12yr old ASD girl bullied so schl refusing due to severe anxiety.Where to go?NOT

MightySky 17/11/2016 at 8:00 pm

Hi,
I'm the mother of a 4 year old son who has recently been diagnosed with ASD. The doc refused to mention anything more. He said ds suffers from social communication and imagination issues. The report from the doc is still awaited. He goes to a local private school. The school has a very good reputation here and I'm not sure if they would be willing to make the adjustments for him. He seems to be doing ok at school but I'm really worried of his future. Should I be looking at private schools that are for special needs only or focus on his current school to provide the support. I'm not considering council for now looking at the wait time for evthg. I'm really worried. Pls advise what should I do.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 06/10/2016 at 10:39 am

I have included a leaflet from the National Autistic Society which is looking at your son's symptoms from a teaching/classroom perspective which may in turn give you some perspective regarding the strategies the school should be taking and the questions you need to ask the school, I have also included another link regarding the help you can get here. You may also wish to speak to the helpline for any other questions. I hope this helps.

Nati 05/10/2016 at 9:42 am

I have a five year old who has just been diagnosed autistic, he doesn't have adhd or ocd with his. His main problem is verbal communication, doesn't talk or understand a lot of this you say, it's like when you are in a foreign country and you don't understand the language, we are teaching him each word before he can have an idea, but he can understand identity all letters and numbers which gives me hope that he can learn. He is in year 1 in school now but there has been no improvement as he his always out of the class but I don't know what he is doing outside class everyday, I know he is not going there for speech therapist, I feel there just take him out of the class and ask him to play with some toys. How can I approach his school and I can I get him into an independent school? I know that year 1 is when kids start learning more in which my son is no longer reaching the standard any more. Help

Kaci 22/09/2016 at 10:34 pm

My nearly 7 year old has been diagnosed with ADHD, asd, Learning difficulties and school have said they notice symptoms of odd too, ever since nursery his behaviour has been consistent at home and school. His school he is at now have made allowances in year 1 and now he's in year two they are tired of doing so but before he left year one they told me to move closer to family (took personally as they can't be bothered with him) he is now 2nd week into year 2 and is on internal exclusion with this being last chance next is exclusion. Can I remove him out of school after he's done his internal exclusion (after so he knows his behaviour is not acceptable) I just feel his needs are t catered for as they admitted to me he's struggling with the work yet they were meant to sort his 1-1 worker for the start of the year but no surprise here is they haven't! They are quick to pass the blame but I find I manage my child
Better then a school that deals with children with special needs, any advice would be great regarding my rights to possible home schooling

Diane 22/09/2016 at 4:16 am

I feel the same way to my grandson is 11 and making our life's so hard he has FASD ( feotal alcohol spectrum disorder
The system just keeps failing us he strips if anywhere he is abusive violent he makes my other two kids want to stay away from the home

Diane 21/09/2016 at 8:25 pm

Anyone help
I'm looking for a boarding school that can support my grandson with FASD ) featol alcohol spectrum disorder he is 8 and getting stronger I'm 50 and getting weaker

Diane 21/09/2016 at 8:22 pm

Hi
I am looking for a a residential school for my grandson who is 8 yrs old and have special needs (FASD ) feotal alcohol spectrum disorder
He is getting stronger while I'm getting weaker anyone got any advice

SHAM 13/08/2016 at 1:50 am

Hello,

As per inquiry search over today from your website, here is the message with my inquiry.
I am currently living in Sri Lanka, since 1979. i have 6 year old son, living in Sri Lanka is a victim of Autism. Unfortunately we failed to find any solution back in Sri Lanka until now.

we are looking for a school, or any institute where son can get treatments or related education in overseas.

I think may be dedicated schools or institute in UK where we can even pay to enroll as overseas patient/student.

Therefore could you please send some information about any place we can put our son for treatments/education either paid or free of charge.

Thank you very much, and looking forward to hearing from you soon

GetTheRightSchool Editor 10/08/2016 at 10:09 am

Unfortunately, we cannot recommend individual schools, you would be better taking advice from your son's current school to see what they suggest. Also, the Special Needs Schools in Britian may be able to help you find schools in your locality

Candicerobinson 09/08/2016 at 7:22 am

Hello. My 7 year old son has recently been put on SEN register although no formal diagnosis has been made, apart from that he 'probably has a mild learning difficulty.' He has some symptoms of ADHD and autism and is about one year behind socially, emotionally and academically. His previous teacher said my son was disruptive, aggressive and didn't focus. He is challenging at home also. I live in Great Notley, Braintree and I just wonder what would be the best schooling for him now and when he goes secondary school.

Mum challange 27/01/2016 at 5:26 am

Hello, can someone pls help. My daughter's secondary school in Basingstoke has decided to move her to a special needs school Without assessing her special needs. From her challenging behaviour: defiance, being rude to adults , not listening to school staff and self harming . She may have ODD, but no one at her current school is providing her with the support needed or at least being able to diagnostic her case. How can a special needs school accept a student without knowing what is her special needs. Any help also regarding state school dealing with ODD in Basingstoke and London in much appreciated. thanks

Shorty 19/12/2015 at 6:40 am

Hi I am looking to find people's views or a link to Speacilist placement for my 10yearvold high functioning ASD son. In Surrey and boarders area he loves art drawing ,my son struggles in mainstream .thanks
Also looking for advise as eldest son who is 15 has diagnosis of passive ASD ideally like information on college day release in media maybe work experience in that job sector kind regrets

mblssmp2 28/11/2015 at 11:39 am

Our question is related to our sun with only recently diagnosed ADHD who started secondary education at and independent school in September and who is now on his last chance after one day internal exclusion and two days of external exclusions. He is not on medication yet but will go on it as soon as possible.

Our son was finally diagnosed with ADHD yesterday after a long battle with the mental health centre. He is now 11 1/2 and has always been quite a difficult child but as he has grown older his disruptive behaviour has had greater consequences. This became particularly to light during Y5 and Y6 in primary school when he was twice put into isolation for one day. At home his behaviour was also becoming extremely difficult with him attacking his little brother, not following instruction and unable to take a no. Unfortunately, we did not know enough about ADHD and we are still amazed that staff at his primary school was not trained enough to pick it up even though there were clear signs of ADHD after having now read the literature on it. Julian also had an art therapist in Y6 for about 10 weeks who did not pick up ADHD either. Julian has been doing ballet/step dance etc from when he was 3 1/2 and has performed in Christmas Panto and with the English National Ballet last year to perform Swan Lake. There has never been any incident with him at ballet school or when he has been performing on the big stage.

In spring 2015 we finally got a referral to a mental health centre for children. He had already been seen by them several years ago because he showed panic attacks for a short while. They first told us they don’t think that anything is wrong with him despite us describing the situation to them. We did not accept their statements and kept pushing but it took until September that we could start a family therapy, where we talked together about the problems we have with him. During these sessions they noticed that he is very fidgety and told us about 2 weeks ago that there is now a suspicion of ADHD. We informed school immediately and started to read up on it.

In early September he started secondary school and as we were extremely concerned about him and noticed that he struggles with very noisy environments we chose an independent school (S’Beds College in Manchester) where the class room size is about 15-18 students and the overall atmosphere feels much calmer than at state schools. The school is also very close to where we live, which was another important factor. During the first few weeks he did very well without any incidents but once the novelty aspect had worn off things started to change for the worse. One day after we were told that Julian might suffer from ADHD (school was also already aware by that time) there was a major incident at school when he run off and wandered around in the school building and could not be found for an hour. This resulted in an internal exclusion, i.e. isolation, for 1 day. About 10 days later, there was

GetTheRightSchool Editor 27/10/2015 at 11:05 am

I am sorry to hear this. I can only suggest you continue negotiating with his school if you think he needs special needs provision. Please also see Special Needs UK whichI hope this helps.

Worried 26/10/2015 at 9:47 am

My son is statemented (ehc) he is attending a main stream school, which i have now been told he must leave. Violent to other children. He is making my home life a living hell. Stealing food (from the bin) money and belongings, he constantly talks to himself loudly . He is 11 and has been diagnosed with adhd. I have a teenage daughter and he is making her life hell too. The LA want to send him to another main stream school, however i would like him to attend a specialist boarding school, i work full time and i feel i cannot give him the support he needs. I want him to be a successful adult. I am so lost.

Sister 21/10/2015 at 6:45 am

Can someone direct me where l can find a bursary for a seven year autistic boy. He cannot attend the mainstream school. His parents cannot afford the money required to send him to a special school. If he cannot go to school now, what chances has he got in this life?

sadie hunt 15/10/2015 at 9:55 pm

Hi my name is Sadie I have a girl of 10 that is statmented that is going onto secondary school and I have done my application form but I am still not happy with my chose I am finding it extremely hard to now what is the right one for her can I change my mind at any time

GetTheRightSchool Editor 16/09/2015 at 10:34 am

I have included a link here which may help you further find the school of your choice, either government funded or independent.

Ejs 15/09/2015 at 5:28 am

At the moment my son attend state school and they decide want to move him to special need school.My son like drawing and design plan and very good playing golf and tennis.really want a best school for my son in our area Hull.

Princess Lagos 05/09/2015 at 12:21 pm

My daughter is 8 yrs old and has cerebral palsy.
I am looking for a good private boarding school for her I the UK.

She is currently in mainstream sch I. lagos,Nigeria.

Thanks

concerned 05/07/2015 at 5:42 pm

My son has been attending a nursery attached to a independent boarding school for 2 years. He is showing traits of slight asbergers or possibly is gifted. He is receiving private speech therapy and will soon see a paediatrician at the schools recommendation, which was a condition of them giving him a space in the preprep class in Sept. The school wrote to me a couple of days ago to coincide with the last day of school term that they do not wish to give my son a place after all because he is more demanding on staff resource. Whilst my son is not (yet) statemented as having special needs, this stinks of the school discriminating against him because he may soon be classed as a special needs child. We are very upset as all the private speech therapy and health reports so far have been based on the assumption that my son would stay at this school. We even bought a big uniform for him to grow into. Now we are faced with a desperate rush to get him into a nearby state maintained school and we will have to explain to him why he will not be at the school soon. Please, what can we do to ensure the school never does this to anyone else? What is the meaning of disability under the equalities act? Does it include children who are awaiting diagnosis? Thanks

mama 24/06/2015 at 2:21 pm

Please can i get a private residential school for autism child of 12 years ? He is an abroad student please can you let me know how to go about it.thnx

GetTheRightSchool Editor 18/06/2015 at 12:07 pm

@Nainz - I'm afraid you would have to get in touch with your LEA directly, as SEN funding is different in every local authority.

Nainz 16/06/2015 at 10:12 am

Hi my son is 8 so thinking more ahead at the moment. He sufferes with specific language impairment, Severe literacy difficulties (dyslexia) and some fine motor skill issues. A private school close to me has a fantastic SpLd sector attached to it, but the fees seem too high for our family budget. Is there a way of getting the LA to help towards the cost or maybe cover the cost as this really does seem the best school for him. This school takes kids from year 5, but not sure whether the LA would even consider it until year 7 if at all?? Im in the process of requesting a SEN assessment for him (still awaiting the decision) will this be something he would definitely need to have for funding to be considered? Any help you can give me would be greatly accepted. I know it's a little while off yet but I also know how long it takes for things to go through the moderation panels etc. We live in Wales if that makes a difference. Thanks in advance for any advice.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 13/05/2015 at 12:11 pm

@BB - It all depends on your circumstances and you would have to seek immigration permission to come to the UK and you would have to fulfil its immigration criteria. You can see which form might be appropriate to you via which

BB 11/05/2015 at 3:45 pm

My daughter is 16. She had cerebral malaria at age 2. She does somethings by herself. She was attending a normal school before the Proprietress of the school requested her removal. Can I get her enrol in a boarding house school in the U.K. I will also like to know what it entail and the cost implication. I lived in Lagos, Nigeria. Thank you.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 13/04/2015 at 10:28 am

@ABC - she would have to apply through immigration, whichto see whether she was eligible to come into the country.

ABC 09/04/2015 at 8:49 am

Sir the son of my sister is 5 year and 6 month in pakistan...is ADHD and Autism mild...she want to admit in UK school.wot will be the process for this??

DB Editor 06/03/2015 at 2:17 pm

@Kell - you would really have to speak to your son's current school and ask his teacher what his options are. I think it would be difficult to get funding to a private boarding school, but the state provision is very good.

Kell 05/03/2015 at 2:53 pm

My son is 10yrs old an due for secondary sept2016 he has ADHD ASD speech & language difficulties Autism Anxiety behaviours Hyperacusis Bowel hypermobility , easy vomiting, fussy eating , significant heel pain , sleep onset disorder which is treated with medication theses are just a few things that Bradley is suffering from the list goes on I would appreciate any suggestions on what secondary school would be best for Bradley even if it's private or boarding school and do you know if I could get financial help towards the funds as I asume they are not cheap but I just want the best school for Bradley I'm in a difficult position as I don't know which school would best suit BRADLEY Kind regards Kerry

Autismmum 02/12/2014 at 10:01 pm

Hi all, my son attends a private special school. It's ran by the national autistic society and he has been there since he was 5(permanently excluded from mainstream). He's now 17 and at a local college supported via the school and he is flourishing. The school is in Kent and is called the Helen Allison school and I cannot praise them highly enough. His placement is funded by our local authority. He had severe behavioural problems, is verbal and suffers with anxiety and poor social skills but this school have coped with them all.

Coka 04/11/2014 at 12:05 am

I have a 14 year old son who had been diagnosed with ADHD and has behavior disorder problems. I really need help I selecting a good boarding independent (private) specialist school for ADHD and behavior therapy support. regardless of high fees. Many thanks

GetTheRightSchool Editor 20/10/2014 at 12:47 pm

@SouRae - Has his current school not been able to help? It is thought that wherever possible, special needs children should have their needs met within mainstream school with additional help and support provided.
In the first instance you should be able to seek advice from the school's special educational needs coordinator to arrange additional support for your child. The SENCO and teacher will decide on action - usually the teacher draws up and delivers the IEP, while the SENCO will monitor your child's progress by arranging further assessments and reviews. There is also School Action Plus where the SENCO can attain specialist advice from external support services such as an educational psychologist, and discusses possible statementing with you and the headteacher. Also, your GP should be able to help with finding the right medication to control his symptoms, should he need it. I hope this helps.

SoulRae 19/10/2014 at 11:28 pm

Hello

My son has a diagnosis of ASD, ADHD and ODD. I whilst he is high functioning, with verbal communication, I'm finding it hard to find a school that can cater for each of his needs and is London based, and where the children are high functioning like he is. Also what therapeutic services can I access to help him regulate his emotions as he does present with very challenging behaviour.

Help!!! Thank you

Princess 26/08/2014 at 1:26 pm

I have a 7yr old daughter with Cerebral Palsy. she is currently in sch in Nigeria(West Africa) but i want a private boarding school for her in the UK to give her the opportunity to do well in the future. her movement is very limited. how do i go about it?

I am looking at 2015/2016 session when she will be about 8yrs old.

Sabrina 05/08/2014 at 10:29 pm

Hi there

I really need my son in a private school. He has autism . Where do I look?
We live in croydon

tsmsrs 22/07/2014 at 2:53 am

My son has been diagnosed ADHD/Autistic Spectrum Disorder. I am a single mom and need help. Which boarding schools would you suggest and how could I go about getting funding for one?

Mobby 08/07/2014 at 9:45 am

I have got a nephew who is now 8 years old who has Autism spectrum disease l need to know how do l go about finding financial aid for him to go to Autism schools we are not able to send him because we cant afford to.He has never been in school and its difficult to communicate with him because we have no idea how to.Most times he just cries trying to talk to us.

Lou 28/05/2014 at 1:37 pm

My son jack who is 5 years old has just been diagonoised with ADHD!
I am a single parent with a medical condition.

Would like to know more bout charities may be help with funding a boarding school for
my son jack please?

SimonK 10/12/2013 at 11:51 am

It would be really helpful to have a list of senior private schools that are genuinely equipped to support a child with ADD.

Dale Baker 21/10/2013 at 9:57 pm

What are these charities than can offer funding advice for private school for SEN schools. Dyslexis & ADHD.

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