Alderbrook School

I can confidently say all issues related to my mental health originated from this very school. I attended for 5 years (unwillingly) and it got me to such a low point I was incapable of attending lessons for the final 2. All of the students where completely insufferable and a good number of the staff where too. My friend has told me stories of teachers that have give her detentions due to her having panic attacks and have done the same to other students as well. She was also severely bullied by one student for years, who even attempted to kill my friend, and staff never thought to expel her out of literal fear (we’d overheard a conversation in pastoral about this). She was also sexually harassed by a large number of people of which staff never took seriously either. What I will give to alderbrook is a few members of staff in particular. The main tutor of the study hub and My year 8 maths teacher, probably the best teacher in the entire country. His lessons made me feel attending school feel worth it, I felt welcome in his classes despite half of my classmates being the insufferable kind and I even felt comfortable enough to ask questions aloud, something I’ve been unable to do elsewhere. He’s really left a lasting impact on my life as well as the study hub tutor, without her my GCSE’s would’ve completely fell through. Of course there where several other great teachers but none of them left the same impact. If you’re child is extroverted and good-willed and knows how to keep out of trouble, they probably won’t have any problems at alderbook. Though if you’re child is more quiet and introverted, likes to keep to themselves or a small group of friends, I’d recommend a more inclusive school. Or if they struggle with mental health issues, I’d recommend Solihull Academy instead. My autistic younger brother goes there and I have to say it sounds more like a dream come true than an actual educational institution. It’s right down the road from alderbrook but out of the way enough from other schools to feel comfortable.