St Lawrence College, Ramsgate Closure: Why independent schools are so important for neurodivergent children

Families have recently received the difficult news that St Lawrence College will be closing and merging with Dover College.

For many families across East Kent, this represents far more than a change in school name. For some children, particularly neurodivergent pupils, it means losing a carefully chosen independent school environment where they felt safe, settled and understood.

As clinicians supporting children with autism, ADHD and anxiety across Kent, we recognise how significant school closures and transitions can be.

Why Independent School Environments Matter for Some Neurodivergent Children

Not every neurodivergent child requires specialist provision or an EHCP.

Many children in independent schools in Kent:

• Are academically able but socially anxious

• Mask their difficulties in structured environments

• Experience internalised anxiety rather than behavioural difficulties

• Do not meet local authority EHCP thresholds

• Or whose families prefer not to pursue the EHCP process

For these children, smaller independent school settings can provide:

• Reduced sensory overload

• Smaller class sizes

• Closer teacher relationships

• Consistent pastoral oversight

• A strong sense of belonging

Independent education is not about prestige. For many families, it is about psychological fit.

The Impact of School Closure on Autistic and ADHD Pupils

When a school such as St Lawrence College closes, children do not simply move buildings.

They may lose:

• Established friendships

• Trusted teachers

• Familiar daily routines

• Safe physical spaces

• A sense of identity linked to their school community

For autistic children, predictability and routine are central to emotional regulation. For children with ADHD, relational consistency and structure are key protective factors.

The transition itself can trigger:

• Increased anxiety

• Sleep disturbance

• Emotional dysregulation

• School refusal

• Heightened sensory sensitivity

• Reduced confidence

School transitions are a recognised period of vulnerability for neurodivergent young people.

Why Educational Choice in Kent Matters

A healthy education system includes diverse pathways:

• Mainstream state schools

• Specialist provision

• Independent schools

• Alternative education settings

For neurodivergent children in Kent, educational diversity ensures that families can choose environments aligned with their child’s cognitive profile, sensory needs and emotional wellbeing.

When independent school options reduce, flexibility reduces too.

Children who may not meet EHCP criteria can lose access to the smaller, nurturing environments that supported them quietly but effectively.

Supporting Strengths, Not Just Needs

Many neurodivergent children thrive in environments that allow space for:

• Creative arts and performance

• Academic stretch without excessive pressure

• Strong pastoral development

• Confidence building

• Individual mentoring

A child does not have to be struggling academically to require a different setting. Sometimes the difference lies in environment, not ability.

Psychological Support for School Transition in Kent

At Lycali, we are currently supporting families across Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Margate and wider Kent, navigating this period of uncertainty.

We provide:

• Transition-focused emotional support

• Anxiety management strategies

• Psychological therapies for school-related anxiety

Our aim is to help neurodivergent children feel safe, understood and equipped to manage change, whether they are transitioning to Dover College or another independent or mainstream school in Kent.

Final Reflection

School is not simply an academic institution; it is a psychological anchor.

When a long-standing independent school such as St Lawrence College in Ramsgate closes, the emotional impact on all pupils, their families and the wider community should not be underestimated.

Educational choice matters because children differ. And when the environment fits the child, growth becomes possible.

If your child is struggling with the transition following the St Lawrence College closure, support is available.