Frankie Bridge has been left in tears as she opened up about the ongoing struggle with her son Carter’s worsening dyslexia, revealing the agonising decision she faces over whether to send him to a costly specialist school far away from home. The former Saturdays star, 37, shared an emotional update in her latest YouTube vlog, shedding light on how 10-year-old Carter’s condition has deteriorated dramatically since his diagnosis last year. 
Dyslexia, a learning difficulty that impacts reading and spelling, is known to affect individuals across all levels of intelligence, and Carter’s case has become a growing concern for Frankie.
In a heartbreaking moment, Frankie admitted to feeling “trapped” and uncertain about the best course of action for her son’s education after dropping him off at school in tears due to his struggles. 
“I went to see a specialist dyslexic school for Carter today,” Frankie shared. “His recent assessment shows he’s severely dyslexic, and things have actually worsened since his last assessment.”
Frankie continued, explaining how frequent school moves and the adjustment to new environments and teachers have had a profound effect on Carter’s confidence. “The assessor said that moving him again might not be the best thing for him right now,” she added.
The Heart-Wrenching Decision 
While Carter’s current school in Surrey provides support, Frankie is torn between keeping him there or sending him to a more specialized institution, which could help him as he enters secondary school next year. However, this option would mean a considerable financial strain and logistical challenge, given the school is quite far from their home.
“There’s one school not too far away, but it’s still quite a distance for drop-offs and pick-ups,” Frankie revealed. “I’m not really sure how we’d make it work.”
Though initially sceptical about visiting the specialist school, Frankie was impressed by what she saw. “I kind of wanted to hate it, but I didn’t. It’s very similar to his current school, except every student there is dyslexic. The whole school is set up to cater to kids with dyslexia, and every class is designed with that in mind.”
Despite her reservations, Frankie acknowledges the school’s potential for giving Carter the confidence he needs. “The whole point is to get them to a level where they can integrate into mainstream schools again,” she explained.
However, the prospect of sending Carter away to such a school presents a huge upheaval, not just for Carter but for the whole family. “It’s really expensive, and it’s not ideal for us because it’s far away,” she confessed. “But it could be the environment where Carter finally feels like he’s not different.”
Specialist schools for dyslexic children in the UK can cost anywhere between £15,000 and £40,000 per year for day places, with boarding options often exceeding £60,000.
A Mother’s Emotional Struggles
Frankie broke down as she recounted the emotional toll of dropping Carter off at school, where he had been crying about his struggles with maths. “I find it mentally so hard,” she said tearfully. “I just never know what’s best for him. There are so many parents who have to drop their kids off crying at school, and I just feel a bit worn down by it now.”
She admitted to feeling helpless, as despite trying everything, Carter’s difficulties persist. “I just feel trapped because, obviously, he has to go to school, but nothing seems to meet his needs. I don’t know what the right thing is anymore.”
Frankie’s Desperate Battle for Her Son
Throughout the emotional vlog, Frankie expressed how heartbroken she feels for her son. “We’ve tried so much, and we’ve been lucky enough to give him different opportunities. But it’s breaking my heart to keep pushing him, and I just don’t know what more I can do,” she said, clearly devastated.
Frankie compared Carter’s situation to that of his older brother, Parker, 12, who has always found school easier. “Parker had extra help when he was younger, and now he’s solid at school. But with Carter, it’s just been a constant struggle,” she explained.
Since Carter’s diagnosis last year, Frankie has been fighting for him to receive the help he desperately needs. She previously revealed that Carter had cried for an hour about going to school, even asking to be homeschooled.
The Search for a Solution
Frankie and her husband, former footballer Wayne Bridge, have made many changes to Carter’s schooling, moving him to an international school they hoped would be better equipped to support him. Unfortunately, despite the changes, Carter’s struggles have continued.
“It’s just so hard to watch him go through this,” Frankie shared, her voice shaking with emotion. “I thought getting him the right support would be the answer, but it hasn’t been as easy as I imagined. I just want to give him the best chance.”
The decision she faces now is not only difficult emotionally but also financially, as the family must weigh the cost and impact of sending Carter to the specialist school.
An Ongoing Struggle for the Bridge Family
As Frankie continues to navigate these challenges, she remains determined to give Carter the support he needs, no matter the cost. Her emotional update has resonated with many parents facing similar battles, and she has vowed to keep pushing for the best possible future for her son.
The situation remains unresolved, and Frankie’s battle for her son’s future continues. Whether it’s sending him to a specialist school or finding other solutions, Frankie Bridge’s fight to support her son Carter is a testament to her determination as a mother.
Source: Daily Mail
