Private schools in Sheffield..any experience?

[Dizzyblonde 10]

I think to settle well in private school you really need to start there, later entries tend to find the transition less easy. I think you know from when the start nursery whether you are going to find the school gate an easy or upsetting experience.

[Kaizabella 10]

I went to the High School as a scholarship girl and can honestly say that it really helped develop and push me (though i didn't exactly realise it at the time). There were some prejudices towards me on occasions for being the "council estate girl" but I never let it bother me.

 

I know the junior school is exceptional (I would say that, my housemate is doing placement there ) but all in all it was the best 5 years of my life.

 

The entrance exams not that hard, and if your daughter has dyslexia they'll be prepared to help and support her. I know there were a few girls in my year who were dyslexic and they always had support.

 

I left in 2003, and class sizes were about 20 odd, however, that was a lot better than the 40+ in my local comp.

 

I'd say go for it.

[lola2 10]

I have children in a mix of private and state schools. I am surprised to hear that Ashdell has 12 to a class as this doesn't sound like it would be financially sound to me. Certainly it is normal for the class sizes to be not that much smaller, or even the same size as state schools.

 

All these schools are welcoming and easy to speak to. I would recomend a visit and a talk with the head of anywhere you are considering. I have visited a a great number of state and private schools in Sheffield and the rest of the UK, even Eton. There have only been a couple of schools (state!) that weren't welcoming during the school day and didn't want to show us round, and this only added to the poor impression we got on open evenings.

 

Ashdells classes are that small, some of them smaller.

[littleblue 10]

You are out of touch with the class size

Sheffield high is 24-26 a class

Mount St Mary is 20 a class

 

 

how long ago was that?

 

 

I left in 2002.

 

I can assure you that the class sizes are still roughly the same.

[luxs 10]

My daughter spend 2 years (Y3 and Y4) in Ashdell and I'm very satisfied with this school.

[espadrille 10]

I am considering sending my 8 year old (Y3) daughter to a private school, primarily because she has dyslexia and although she struggles at the moment she is still keen to learn. I really don’t want her to become disheartened and “switch off”.

 

She is currently in a class of 30 very mixed ability children. She does have some extra support at the school she's in and outside specialist dyslexia teaching.

 

I can't help thinking that smaller classes would help her emormously. Perhaps these teachers are more able to teach the children rather than the subject due to the smaller numbers of children?

 

Does anyone have any experience with the private schools in Sheffield? Any recommendations/thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

If you need extra tuition, contact Phil at Dyslexia aawareness centre, south Rd, walkley.

He does extra tuition for kids with special needs.

 

http://www.dyslexiaawareness.co.uk/

Edited March 30, 2009 by espadrille

[penno 10]

Ashdell is the best school for girls up to eleven years old in our experience. We have two granddaughters who have both gone through Ashdell and on to Sheffield Girls High. Both dyslexic and both have been helped immensely with the extra teaching available.

[DIVA 10]

I am considering sending my 8 year old (Y3) daughter to a private school, primarily because she has dyslexia and although she struggles at the moment she is still keen to learn. I really don’t want her to become disheartened and “switch off”.

 

She is currently in a class of 30 very mixed ability children. She does have some extra support at the school she's in and outside specialist dyslexia teaching.

 

I can't help thinking that smaller classes would help her emormously. Perhaps these teachers are more able to teach the children rather than the subject due to the smaller numbers of children?

 

Does anyone have any experience with the private schools in Sheffield? Any recommendations/thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

Hi, I'm interested to know how did you find out your daughter is dyslexic? At what age? Was this a professional "diagnosis"?

[sw123 10]

I went to Ashdell - classes over the time ranged from 12 to 18 (this was nearly 20 years ago now) it is the most fabulous place and a lovely start to life for your children, i certainly benefited from it and will send my children.