Help! Move dd from private to state for year 9??

[NoonarAgain]

We chose a small private secondary for dd as she was anxious about the move to the large but very good local secondary.

This decision was based on the cosy, friendly atmosphere of the school and the fact that our anxious dd felt at home there. I put aside my mild ideological objections to private school and chose the option that 'felt right' for dd.

Dd is now about to go into year 8. She is popular, happy and has plenty of friends. However, she has started to express concerns about the materialistic/ boastful/ spoilt / 'brand obsessed' attitudes of some of her friends. She said that she feels that her school is like a little bubble, and not like the 'real world'. She says she feels that she's still at primary school and is envious of those who have made the 'proper' transition to secondary. Tbh, I'm proud of dd for her insight into this and am starting to have similar concerns myself.

The dilemma? Should we change schools? And what school should we choose for her younger sibling? ( the sibling would be better suited to the state rather than the rather twee private school). Dd can be a bit addicted to drama and tends to have a 'grass may be greener' attitude to life. So I feel that I need to treat the situation with caution and not make a rash judgement.

Dh has the attitude that private school is somehow 'better' so I think he would be reluctant to move her.

Any advice/ thoughts?

[Branleuse]

does she honestly think that state school will be less materialistic and brand obsessed. Shes learning about consumer culture and it aint pretty, but that doesnt necessarily mean you should move her. She sounds clever. Encourage her to make the most of the opportunity shes got maybe because the grass will not be greener

[NoonarAgain]

Bran, I think you're right and I've explained this to her. However, the 'how big is your house?' ' why do you fly easyjet not first class? ' 'I don't think they can afford it' comments/ questions are probably less prevalent in a state school (with a more school population more representative of society as a whole).

[NoonarAgain]

Even if I accept that dd stays put and makes the best of it, what about her sister? I don't feel happy making the same decision for her, yet there could be a perception of unfairness if only one was at a private school.

[NoonarAgain]

X post coolas. Thanks for the advice. But it really is complicated by her sister's situation.

[NoonarAgain]

Maybe that's what this thread is really about. How do I make the right decision for dd2 whilst keeping dd1 where she is? I would probably think less about keeping her where she is, were it not for her sister.

[NoonarAgain]

Thanks coolas but I kinda feel it was a wrong decision to send dd to the private school. Her sister is a tomboy and doesn't want to go to the private all girls school, particularly. It seems crazy to make the same 'mistake' twice just so I can say I've treated them exactly the same. Of course, I want to be fair, but does fair mean 'same'? It's so difficult!

[NoonarAgain]

I should say, I think that it could go either way for dd1. I could move her and conceivably she could find it hard being the new girl and wish she had stayed put. Equally, she may feel liberated by being in more inclusive school.

[Floop]

I think you'll find materialistic teenagers at both schools.

[Floop]

Coolas, do they? GCSE options were in year 9 to start in year 10 for us.

[TeenAndTween]

If your younger DD would rather go to the other school (which just happens to be state) and you also think it would be better for her, then no contest, send your younger DD to the state school. Treat them as individuals.

Unless the state school definitely has loads of spare places in DD1s year, get DD1 on the waiting list now, you don't have to take up the place if you get offered it. You may have to waste a term or 2's fees though as you can only hold onto an in-year state place for around 4 weeks. If you are moving, then the sooner the better tbh I think.

Coolas Secondaries round us still do 2 year KS4. Maybe it goes in fashions? The move back to linear may also encourage not so many options perhaps?

[Floop]

Fair enough Coolas. Mine are well past that age, I'm obviously out of the loop!