I know this may seem like a no brainer to some but I'm torn between a private school with a class of 11 for dd1 and a state school with a class of 30

TBH we were not considering private but dd1 didn't originally get into the state school and panicking I enrolled her at the private. They've now decided to add on an extra class so she's in - Howver now we're a bit confused as we'd sort of bought in to the private myth

If we drop out of the private school we will have to pay them a penalty of £4800 - term's fees plus a deposit. That's an incentive for staying. Otoh it is a drive away, the state school is an easy walk.

Also I'm actually concerned 11 in dd's class (as it stands now) is actually too small. There'll be around six girls (there is a parallel class too so a few more she may know superficially) but is that a big enough friendship pool, knowing how vile little girls can be? I've seen the work they're doing at the private school and it's extremely impressive (nor is it a hot house) and I'm not surprised with all that one-on-one attention they get but I do worry it may not be ideal from a friendship pov.

But I also worry she may - like others - not get enough attention in the state school. Anyway, ultimately, class size pros and cons will be the decider. We can afford private but would rather not pay if we don't have to, not least because I believe in supporting the local school. Thanks in advance for any help.