Which mainstream UK boarding schools have the best provision for children with special educational needs?
Sending your child to boarding school brings with it an array of benefits. Smaller class sizes, individualised revision plans and extensive pastoral support are just three such advantages. Boarding schools can allow children with SEND needs to flourish academically and socially within the school community, amongst students both with and without learning needs. Here, we discuss the five best mainstream boarding schools for providing support with SEND.
Dulwich College
Location: Dulwich, London
Fees: £51,546
Headteacher: Joseph Spence
Ages: 2-18
Single sex or co-educational: Single sex (boys)
https://www.dulwich.org.uk/senior-school
Dulwich College, founded in 1619 by Edward Alleyn, a prominent actor and contemporary of William Shakespeare, holds a distinguished history as one of the oldest public schools in England. The school has evolved over the centuries from its initial purpose as a charitable institution for poor scholars into a prestigious independent day and boarding school. The college's history is intertwined with the cultural and social developments of London, and its iconic buildings reflect various architectural styles spanning different centuries. Aside from being one of the top boarding schools in the UK for academics, Dulwich College has excellent provision for students with SEN needs. The school screens all students in years 7 and 9 for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs), whereupon some individual cases are referred to an Educational Psychologist to formulate a bespoke learning and support plan. The Learning Support Department then works with individual students to support their literacy and numeracy, in addition to developing revision strategies. The school boasts an impressive 62.2% of its GCSE grades at Grade 8-9.
Felsted School
Location: Dunmow, Essex
Fees: £44,100
Headteacher: Chris Townsend
Ages: 4-18
Single sex or co-educational: Co-educational
Felsted School, situated in Essex, England, has a history dating back to 1564 when it was founded by Sir Richard Rich. Originally established as a grammar school, Felsted has transformed over the centuries into a distinguished co-educational independent school. Felsted School's history is marked by its resilience and adaptability to changing educational needs, from its foundation during the Tudor period to its expansion and evolution into a modern educational institution. SEND support at Felsted School is excellent. For year 9 students, the school provides four lessons a fortnight in place of a second Modern Foreign Language. In year 10 and 11, students will take one less GCSE, allowing 6 extra lessons per fortnight. Sixth Form have 4 individual lessons a fortnight with a specialist teacher. Each student in receipt of extra tuition also receive Individual Education Plans, and prep support is provided for students with SEND on Tuesday between 15.30-16.30 and on Thursday evening between 19.00-18.30 in the SfL Department.
Clayesmore School
Location: Iwerne Minster, Dorset
Fees: £38,922
Headteacher: Jo Thompson
Ages: 8-18
Single sex or co-educational: Co-educational
Founded in 1896, Clayesmore School is located in Iwerne Minster, Dorset, England. The school's history is deeply rooted in its founding principles of providing a well-rounded education. Initially established as a boys' boarding school, Clayesmore has evolved into a vibrant co-educational institution offering day and boarding options. Over the years, the school has adapted to changing educational landscapes while maintaining a commitment to academic excellence, character development, and a strong sense of community. The Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) at Clayesmore provides specialist 1:1 and small group teaching during the day to consolidate the work that is done in classes. These lessons are provided for students who opt for one or two fewer subjects. The school also provides tailored support to those students who need help with development of speech and language skills, social skills and both fine and gross motor skills. The whole school is accredited by Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils (CReSTeD).
Seaford College
Location: Petworth, West Sussex
Fees: £40,740
Headteacher: John Green
Ages: 6-18
Single sex or co-educational: Co-educational
Seaford College’s history dates back to 1884, when it was founded by W.J. Gladstone, a great-nephew of the renowned British Prime Minister William Gladstone. Originally established as an all-boys boarding school, Seaford College has undergone various transformations over the years, evolving into a co-educational institution that provides both day and boarding options. Seaford College prides itself on a truly inclusive educational provision. The dedicated Access and Achievement Centre, located at the centre of campus, prides itself on providing tailored support. Each student is screened before starting at Seaford, and the AAC then produces individualised support plans for each student. But Seaford is not prescriptive: it encourages students to take charge of their own educational and emotional needs and to ask for the help they need. This approach provides a useful scaffold to future professional and educational independence.
Canford School
Location: Wimborne Minster, Dorset
Fees: £45,519
Headteacher: Ben Vessey
Ages: 13-18
Single sex or co-educational: Co-educational
Canford School, located in Wimborne, Dorset, England, has a history that traces back to its founding in 1923 by Percy Ford. The school's establishment is rooted in the merger of two pre-existing institutions, Layard's School and Wimborne Grammar School. Canford School was initially an all-boys school and became co-educational in the 1970s. Set against a backdrop of picturesque grounds and historic architecture, the school has a strong reputation for supporting students with SEND needs. The school has a dedicated team, headed by the experienced SENDco Andrew Farbridge, who all possess or are working towards specialist qualifications in teaching students with Specific Learning Difficulties. The school also provided one-to-one support in such areas as literacy development, study skills, dealing with anxiety and sustaining attention.
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