My son is relatively new to Breckenbrough only having started there in September 2005. My words are really for anyone browsing the website who is looking to get their son into a school like Breckenbrough, but who are having trouble “fighting the system”. I would just say keep trying, don’t give up, use everything in your power to get your son to such a special place as Breckenbrough.
“…keep trying, don’t give up, use everything in your power to get your son to such a special place as Breckenbrough.”
I’ve spent the last 5 years trying to get my son placed outside of mainstream school because I knew that if he carried on there he would have no chance of living a “normal” life once he left – he would have no qualifications, nothing to inspire him, and would finish up living off the state. I knew that my son was worth more than that and Breckenbrough had been brought to my attention about 5 years ago. As soon as I saw the prospectus I knew this was the school where I wanted my special son to be educated. Nothing can describe the elation I felt when our LEA finally got us our interview, and when we saw Breckenbrough for the first time I just knew it was the right place for my son.
From that moment on the school has been marvellous. An offer went out to our LEA less than 24 hours after our visit, and my son started there last September. I’m not going to say that he found it easy being 135 miles away from home – indeed the first couple of weekends when he came home it was horrendous watching him so reluctantly getting into his taxi. But I persevered because I believe that Breckenbrough is the best thing that’s happened to my son and because of them hopefully he will be able to integrate into a relatively normal adult life. He is now settling into school life (he’s in year 10) and has even summoned up enough bravado to go on the ski trip in March- something I couldn’t have even dreamt of him doing 12 months ago. He didn’t even have any friends at home, so this new social life he has at Breckenbrough will also give him a good grounding for his adult life.
I have nothing but praise for the staff at the school – they have been patient and understanding not only with my son, but with me too. I must drive them mad at times with my questions – this is a first for me too, my son has never been away from me prior to this, and for the last 7 years, has been totally and completely dependent on me.
So I reiterate my first words, your children only have one chance at this education lark – fight to give them the best you can – your son too might be lucky enough to be offered a place at Breckenbrough.
S.B.
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