We are generally able to cater for pupils with mild to moderate learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and attention deficit disorder.

Experience tells us that we are best suited to girls who are no more than two years behind their chronological age in their literacy and numeracy skills, and whose intellectual ability is at least average.

 

We attempt to tailor learning to individual needs. The National Curriculum is followed, but subject choices are carefully made; we try to ensure that no-one is overloaded.

Where necessary, specialist learning support for literacy and/or numeracy, is arranged, usually once or twice a week. These lessons are charged as an extra. Our relatively small class sizes make individual attention possible. All teachers here have a basic knowledge of specific learning difficulties, and offer additional in-class support as necessary.

Boarding staff, form teachers and (from Year 10 upwards) personal tutors all provide informal, additional organisational support, and some junior pupils benefit from having a 6^th Form mentor, who usually meets them once a week. The special needs co-ordinator is also able to offer occasional or short-term, additional support.

 

Each year the college accepts a small number of girls who have specific learning difficulties. The number of pupils on our Special Educational Needs Register is generally in line with the national average for mainstream schools.

 

We are extremely proud of the achievements – academic and personal – of our girls with SEN. They experience high levels of success at GCSE level, and most proceed to A level study, followed by reputable institutions of higher education.

 

We have always catered for pupils with exceptional abilities, whether academic, creative, sporting or personal, and we believe in creating a climate where achievements of all kinds are encouraged and celebrated. Our provision in music, drama, art, dance and sport is excellent, with extra, specialist tuition and additional opportunities provided wherever possible to develop particular talents. Pupils with exceptional academic ability are offered appropriate challenges, both in and outside lessons, aimed at helping them to develop their abilities and fulfil their potential.

 

If your daughter has special needs of any kind, it is important that you tell us about them at the application stage, so that we are able, in consultation with you, to assess our ability to meet her needs. Please provide copies of any relevant documentation e.g. assessment reports.

Prospective pupils with special needs usually sit our entrance examinations. An extra time allowance (10 minutes in the hour) will be considered, if it is recommended by an educational psychologist (whose report should be submitted to us well in advance of the examination).

 

If you have any further questions about Special Educational Needs at Princess Helena College, please contact the Special Needs Co-ordinator, Miss Warren.